Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
AESTHETIC MOVEMENT
In 1880, polymath designer William Morris declared: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His words encapsulated the Aesthetic Movement, which prized beauty above all and blurred the lines between fine art and the decorative arts, particularly through lavishly crafted furniture pieces.
The Aesthetic Movement, whose major proponents included author Oscar Wilde, flourished from the 1860s to the 1880s and was mostly popular in England and the United States. Design expositions like the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, as well as the publishing of how-to books for interior design, helped disseminate Aesthetic Movement bedroom furniture, serveware, coffee tables and other items, especially to the middle class.
The establishment of new art museums, art clubs and a rising passion for collecting at the time contributed to a growing appreciation for art. Morris’s founding of Morris & Co. in 1862 and the commercializing of this “cult of beauty” by the Liberty store in London, starting in the late 19th century, further disseminated the idea of a domestic space that was thoughtfully and floridly designed.
Leading Aesthetic Movement furniture designers included E.W. Godwin, who drew on Japanese influences and whose work reflected a wider enthusiasm for imported East Asian art. British designer Christopher Dresser created textiles, ceramics and more that were also inspired by Japanese decorative art but were representative of additional diverse design sources that ranged from Egypt to Mexico.
The Aesthetic Movement’s eclecticism resulted in dazzling interiors. Japanese fans were positioned on Renaissance-inspired cabinets with brass hardware, while mantels made of rich walnut or finely carved ebonized wood and adorned with painted Minton tiles mingled with cast-iron chairs against a backdrop of floral wallpaper. In 1881, in New York City, stenciled checkerboard motifs and painted floral murals could be found under an opalescent glass chandelier in a luxurious dressing room designed by German émigré cabinetmaker-decorator George Alfred Schastey. Amid the rise of the industrial age, the style’s promotion of art in everyday life would inform the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.
Find a collection of antique Aesthetic Movement seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.
44
2
1
to
6
30
16
47
47
47
6,460
4,918
2,843
875
767
646
618
528
516
450
295
239
213
200
98
73
66
64
20
24
3
12
5
4
4
2
1
1
3
Height
to
Width
to
19
18
11
9
8
38
19
9
6
3
4
2
1
1
1
Style: Aesthetic Movement
Louis Maximilien Fiot : "Panthera", Terracota sculpture, edition Susse, C.
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Louis Maximilien FIOT (1886-1953, France) : « Lionne à sa toilette »
Patinated terracota sculpture of a lioness nobly standing on a rock
Old edition by Susse terracota workshop
Sig...
Category
1920s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Pine Master Staircase
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and decorative master staircase is all made of pine with small brass nais. This is a French work. Circa 1950
Category
1950s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Unusual 19th Century Large Eel Form Majolica Pottery Pitcher
Located in Atlanta, GA
European, 19th century.
An incredibly unusual and interesting majolica pitcher. The water pitcher features a finely detailed Eel, with scales, eyes and a wonderful tail.
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Italian Hardstone Cockatoo Figure
Located in New York, NY
Italian hardstone cockatoo figure, in the Faberge style in quartz with lapis beak and silver mounted feet, formerly on a perch or rock (lacking).
Dimensions: 7.5" H x 6" W x 2.5" ...
Category
20th Century Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Quartz, Silver
Fine Bronze Bust of a Man in Manner of Sir Jacob Epstein (British 1880-1959)
By Jacob Epstein
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine Bronze Bust of a man in the manner of Sir Jacob Epstein (British, 1880-1959), artist unknown. This beautifully executed green-patinated bronze somewhat resembles the style of ...
Category
20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Modernist Abstract Bronze Sculpture of a Bull on a Marble Plinth
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Modernist Abstract Bronze Sculpture of a Bull on a Marble Plinth
A nicely detailed Charging Bull, top quality bronze bull depicted...
Category
1980s Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Copeland FL Miller Princess of Wales Parian Bust, 1863
By Copeland
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine antique Copeland parian bust of the Princess of Wales sculpted by F.L. Miller for the the Crystal Palace Art Union and dated 1863. Probabl...
Category
1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Small Majolica Frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Small Rare Majolica frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900.
Reference / Page 118,119 "Barbotines de la Cote d 'Azur" of M.Bottero.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Majolica Frog on Lily Pad Jerome Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Majolica frog on a green lily pad leaf Jerome Massier, circa 1900.
Reference / Page 118,119 "Barbotines de la Cote d 'Azur" of M.Bottero.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Arab on Horseback with Slave Girl
By Alfred Barye
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large Sculpture by both Barye and El Guillman cast and made after the Original . Two signatures are visible on the base . Large at 33" in Ht and 22" long . Heavy casting . Has a re...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Tall Sculptural Trompe L'Oeil Draped Handkerchief Glass Vase
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A tall sculptural transparent glass vase with ruffled edges. The base of this beauty is round, with scalloped edges. The body has long rounded edges which graduate and curl outward i...
Category
20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Glass
"Angel Kiss" Life Size Granite Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the "Angel Kiss" Life Size Granite Sculpture, a stunning addition to any home or office space.
This exquisite sculpture features a pair of lovers embracing each other w...
Category
1980s Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Granite
John Rose Coalport Prince of Wales Parian Bust, 1863
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine antique Coalport parian bust of the Prince of Wales sculpted by John Rose and dated 1863. Probably made to commemorate the forthcoming marriage of Albert Edward Prince...
Category
1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Small Majolica Frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Small Rare Majolica frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900.
Reference / Page 118,119 "Barbotines de la Cote d 'Azur" of M.Bottero.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Small Majolica Frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Small Rare Majolica frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900.
Reference / Page 118,119 "Barbotines de la Cote d 'Azur" of M.Bottero.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Large Antique Patinated Mercury Glass Madonna with Child
Located in Tilburg, NL
Antique patinated Mercury glass Madonna with child. Turn of the century / early 20th century.
This is a wonderful and large mercury glass Madonna with child figurine...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Mercury Glass
French Bust of Girl c1920 Signed
Located in Mimizan, FR
French Bust of Girl c1920
Signed at the back by the artist B Rezz (hard to see)
With copyright
Made of a type of Cristaux and Porcelain that is very hard
Very good Vintage condition.
Category
1920s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
1900s Cold-Painted Statue of Arab
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand painted figure of an Arab man. Early 1900s. European. Not sure of origin. Signed by artist: "WEEGON" Some losses to the original paint. Very handsome figure.
Category
Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Metal
19th Century Polychrome Wooden Horse
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant little carved wooden horse from the 19th century in polychrome wood
Very beautiful polychromy which has a lot of charm
Old child's toy with the front wheels which moves
...
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Fruitwood
Large Meissen Porcelain Group of Lovers Kissing in the Ocean on a Rock
Located in New York, NY
A Large Meissen Porcelain group of lovers kissing in the Ocean on a Rock. This piece is truly spectacular in both quality and size. The pair of lovers a...
Category
1870s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Baccarat Crystal Panther
By Baccarat
Located in Mérida, YU
Black crystal panther sculpture by Baccarat, circa 1980s. In excellent condition.
Category
1980s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Crystal
Carved Rock Crystal Quartz Cockatoo Bird on Citrine
Located in Houston, TX
An intricately carved rock crystal cockatoo with amethyst tail, garnet eyes, agate beak and gilt bronze feet perched on a citrine druzy specimen. Superior workmanship and semi-precio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Amethyst, Quartz, Agate, Rock Crystal, Marble
Moorish horseman bronze, return from the hunt, Signed Barge Fils
Located in Nice, FR
Important Bronze Moorish Rider, Return from the Hunt, Signed Barge Fils
French work, end of the 19th century (1M)
Rider returning from the hunt with game h...
Category
19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Hand Carved Malachite Hippo
Located in Houston, TX
Beautifully carved malachite hippo. Great addition to any collection!
Category
21st Century and Contemporary African Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Malachite
French Majolica Elephant Delphin Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Elephant Delphin Massier, circa 1890.
Measures: Height / 5.4 inches.
Length / 6.7 inches.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Faience
Porcelain Figure, KPM Berlin 19th century
Located in Belmont, MA
Woman with a parrot, KPM Berlin, 19th century..
Beautiful figurine of a standing woman in oriental dress holding a parrot in her right hand.
Naturalistically painted with fired KPM mark...
Category
19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Belgium Bronze Busts by Georges Van Der Straaten
Located in Belmont, MA
The Belgium artist Georges van der Straaten (born 1856) designed the two bronze busts at the end of the 19th century. One is titled "Bergere" (shepherdess), the other one "Pierette"....
Category
1890s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
French Trompe l’Oeil Majolica Glazed Cherry Branch Wall Plaque, signed F. Perrot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Palissy majolica glazed hand painted wall plaque, signed by the artist, circa 1890-1900.
In the trompe l’oeil style of fool the eye, a dimensional mold showing a branching ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware
Majolica Triple Bamboo Vase with Birds Massier, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
A large Majolica triple bamboo vase decorated with four birds attributed to Delphin Massier, circa 1880.
Category
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
19th C French Gilt Bronze Model of a Resting Hand, Attributed to Barbedienne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century French Gilt Bronze model of a resting hand, Attributed to Barbedienne.
France, Circa 1880s
A unique work, realistically cast model of an ormolu of a resting hand on ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Leather Giraffe 20th Century, England
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb leather giraffe from England from the 20th century from the 50's
Very nice giraffe in superb condition which has a very beautiful patina.
The bl...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Leather
19th Century Aesthetic Movement X-Frame Chair w. Hand Carved Monkey Finials
Located in Lisse, NL
Marvellous, early Arts & Crafts chair with human-like, monkey sculptures.
I once learned that one of the goals of art is that it should trigger your imagination. Also, in the sense that it should make you ask yourself the question, what am I looking at and what does it mean (to me)? When I first saw this chair I immediately knew I was looking at a unique work of art and the artistic, human-like monkey sculptures lift it to a whole different level. Realizing that this chair is most likely created in the era of the British Aesthetic Movement around 1880, it came to me how the artist who created this piece could very well have been inspired by a book he may have read, 'on the origin of species' by Charles Darwin. My imagination led me to believe that reading about 'evolutionary biology' could very well have been the seed that was at the root of this marvellous and meaningful work of art. A work of art that lesser creative minds may simply call 'a chair'. Your imagination may tell you something very different and that is why this unique and very well preserved antique also is a great conversation piece.
Our price for this 'Darwin chair...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Iron
Majolica Birds on Shell Jardiniere Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Small Majolica birds on shell jardinière Massier, circa 1890.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Faience
Ceramic Madonna with Child High Relief
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/4832 - Beautiful old high-relief white ceramic Madonna with child, signed Friska 1941 -
Sweet smile of mother and child!
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Luigi Melchiorre Italian Gilded Bronze Bust of Child in Bonnet
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine antique Italian gilded bronze sculptural bust of a young child wearing a bonnet signed by Luigi Melchiorre (1859-c.1908). The bust sits on a dr...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Cocktail Ring in Turquoise Cabochon and Diamonds
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Italian cocktail ring in yellow gold, turquoise cabochon and diamonds - signed Nene Antonione designer -
turquoise: cm. 13x 9 x H.6 cm -
Unique piece made for an Italian lady.
Category
Early 2000s European Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Gold
Auguste Louis Lalouette French Bronze Figure of a Young Sacristan
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and large antique bronze figure of a young Sacristan smelling an incense container by acclaimed French Sculptor August Louis Lalouette (1826-1883), believed to date from t...
Category
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Nubian Dancer by Carl Kauba
By Carl Kauba
Located in New Orleans, LA
Exemplary of Art Nouveau elegance, the sensuous female form is the focus of this Viennese bronze by Austrian sculptor Carl Kauba (1865 - 1922). The intricately detailed bronze captures the supple form of an exotic Nubian dancer in a true representation of the era’s predominant aesthetic. Both classical and evocative, the nude figure is adorned by an array of bronze jewelry, including a stunning golden belt...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Ram's Skull Silver Plated
Located in Chicago, IL
Rams skull rests on plinth base. Marked "Made in France on underside from Wingate and Johnston"
Category
1960s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Silver
English Mintons 1910 Aesthetic Movement Majolica Glazed John Henk Rooster Figure
By Minton
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Mintons, a monumental and rare Rooster figure, Stoke-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, England, circa 1910.
A mold designed by John Henk, this faithful r...
Category
Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware
Asprey Carved Rock Crystal Gorilla Diamond Eye's and 18-Karat Gold Accents
Located in Westport, CT
Asprey one of a kind hand carved rock crystal Gorilla, with 18-karat gold accents and diamond eyes, together on the original petrified wood base, w...
Category
Late 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Rock Crystal, Multi-gemstone, Silver, Gold
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Doulton Burslem Figural Grape Stand Centerpiece
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This figural porcelain grape stand and holder is decorated with whimsical mushrooms encircling the "faux branch" to hold the grapes. It is embellished with...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
French 19th Century Life-Size Bronze "La Danse des Oeufs" by Gustave-Louis Nast
By Gustave-Louis Nast 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine and large French 19th century Orientalist style life-size patinated and parcel-gilt bronze sculpture of "La Danse des Oeufs" (The Dance of Golden Eggs) also known as "La Danse...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Brass
Signed German Wooden Sculpture of a Mother And Her Child, "Muller 1943"
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Artistically significant hand carved sculpture of nude mother and child, completed during the Second World War.
Category
Early 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Delphin Massier Vallauris Parrot & Bamboo Large Double Vase, France, circa 1875
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large, foot-high, French Barbotine Majolica glazed vase showing a colorful parrot sitting on a Bamboo perch. The perch rests in a grass cropping and features two bamboo shoot flower holders, circa 1875.
Gorgeous color, a scarce piece.
Signed Delphin Massier et Cie, Vallauris A.M.
Delphin, born in 1836, was one of three brothers from the Massier family, a dynasty of potters dating back to before the French Revolution. The family played a key role in the revival of pottery in Vallauris, Southern France...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Bronze by Moreau Sitting Figure of a Lady 'Student or Scholar'
Located in Incline Village, NV
Of French origin, this mid to late 19th century bronze figure was made by the prolific French bronze making artist family "Moreau". The sculpture depicts a young female student or sc...
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Arts and Crafts Wrought Iron Chandelier or Pendant with Stylized Swan Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful antique and handcrafted six-light chandelier.
If you are searching for an elegant and unique chandelier to, for example, complete a dining room or a large entrance then th...
Category
Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Sculptures
Materials
Wrought Iron
Aesthetic Movement sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement sculptures made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Jerome Massier, Delphin Massier, Asprey & Garrard Limited, and Baccarat. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $250 and tops out at $29,850 while the average work can sell for $2,011.