Skip to main content

Neoclassical Sculptures

NEOCLASSICAL STYLE

Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.

Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.

The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.

Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.

Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.

As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.

Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.

to
183
818
9
5
93
407
318
14
105
58
77
17
3
6
10
3
4
7
14
5
6
6,799
4,695
2,762
832
830
671
559
503
459
420
363
237
209
164
93
88
80
72
350
304
253
235
153
466
269
667
256
224
93
91
Height
to
Width
to
832
832
832
18
13
8
5
5
Style: Neoclassical
Doctor, from the Commedia Dell'arte, Bow Porcelain, circa 1752
By Bow Porcelain
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Il Dottore from the Commedia dell’Arte, in the white. He stands in an histrionic pose against a tree stump and wears a high brimmed hat (presumably a black academic bonnet), long-buttoned coat over frilled cuffs, falling jabeaux, breeches, boots and a cloak; his right hand on hip, his left arm and hand raised. Slightly grey-white porcelain; even, unctuous glaze. Straw translucency. Underside wiped; air hole at centre. Square hole at rear for mount. Measure: H 6.3 in (16 cm). Provenance: Taylor Collection, from Stockspring Antiques, London, 1998. The Miss G...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Doctor, from the Commedia Dell'arte, Bow Porcelain, circa 1752
Doctor, from the Commedia Dell'arte, Bow Porcelain, circa 1752

Doctor, from the Commedia Dell'arte, Bow Porcelain, circa 1752

Winter, from the Four Seasons, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1750
By Bow Porcelain
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A personification of Winter, from The Four Seasons. Unusually fine condition for a figure of this period.
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Winter, from the Four Seasons, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1750
Winter, from the Four Seasons, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1750

Winter, from the Four Seasons, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1750

Patinated Bronze and Parcel-Gilt Classical Sculpture by Levêque
Located in London, GB
Patinated bronze and parcel-gilt classical sculpture by Levêque French, Late 19th Century Height 60cm, width 24cm, depth 24cm This elegant neoclassical bronze sculpture is by the Fr...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Patinated Bronze and Parcel-Gilt Classical Sculpture by Levêque
Patinated Bronze and Parcel-Gilt Classical Sculpture by Levêque

Patinated Bronze and Parcel-Gilt Classical Sculpture by Levêque

Marble Pan With Flute
Located in Southall, GB
Beautifully and carefully carved Marble Statue of Pan playing a flute. The features are clearly visible and well done, with Pan pursing his lips to blow into the flute. A lovely real...
Category

Late 20th Century European Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Marble Pan With Flute
Marble Pan With Flute

Marble Pan With Flute

French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Rouge Griotte Statue of Athena
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and very high quality French 19th century neo-classical st. ormolu and Rouge Griotte statue of Athena. The statue is raised by an elegant s...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Rouge Griotte Statue of Athena
French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Rouge Griotte Statue of Athena

French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Ormolu and Rouge Griotte Statue of Athena

Figure: Female Pedlar, Possibly Peg Woffington, Bow Porcelain, circa 1758
By Bow Porcelain
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
On a mound base decorated with painted floral sprigs. She wears a pale pink-mauve washed shift with iron-red sleeves and cloak, pale mauve and pink stomacher and a sprigged white shi...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Figure: Female Pedlar, Possibly Peg Woffington, Bow Porcelain, circa 1758
Figure: Female Pedlar, Possibly Peg Woffington, Bow Porcelain, circa 1758

Figure: Female Pedlar, Possibly Peg Woffington, Bow Porcelain, circa 1758

18th Century Italian Carved Figure
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In excellent condition considering his age. She is very beautiful. From a significant home in Santa Barbara. Base is 9.5" x 10".
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

18th Century Italian Carved Figure
18th Century Italian Carved Figure

18th Century Italian Carved Figure

Pair of 18th Century Italian Giltwood Fragment Garniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ostrich egg is 5.5" w. No cracks or repairs.
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Ostrich Eggshell, Giltwood

Pair of 18th Century Italian Giltwood Fragment Garniture
Pair of 18th Century Italian Giltwood Fragment Garniture

Pair of 18th Century Italian Giltwood Fragment Garniture

Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Style Marble Bust Named La Sulamitide
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. white Carrara marble bust of a lady, named La Sulamitide, on the original Vert de Patricia marble pedestal column. The maiden has fi...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Style Marble Bust Named La Sulamitide
Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Style Marble Bust Named La Sulamitide

Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Style Marble Bust Named La Sulamitide

Collection of Four Mandolins, Some with Inlay, Tortoiseshelle, Satin Wood
Located in Buchanan, MI
Collection Of Four Mandolins, Some With Inlay Tortoiseshelle, Satin Wood. Great Pieces For Art Work. Sizes Vary. Property from the Estate of Fred and Estelle Spector, Chicago, Illino...
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Satinwood

Collection of Four Mandolins, Some with Inlay, Tortoiseshelle, Satin Wood
Collection of Four Mandolins, Some with Inlay, Tortoiseshelle, Satin Wood

Collection of Four Mandolins, Some with Inlay, Tortoiseshelle, Satin Wood

Pair of 18th Century Italian Putti Candles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice pair of Italian carved wood Putti that hold candles. The base is 7" x 7". The wing spread is 12". From a beautiful home in Santa Barbara.
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

Pair of 18th Century Italian Putti Candles
Pair of 18th Century Italian Putti Candles

Pair of 18th Century Italian Putti Candles

Pair of 18th Century Italian Polychrome Candle Figures
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully carved and painted. Nice patina. From a beautiful house in Santa Barbara. They do hold candles on a spike.
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Paint

Pair of 18th Century Italian Polychrome Candle Figures
Pair of 18th Century Italian Polychrome Candle Figures

Pair of 18th Century Italian Polychrome Candle Figures

19th Century Neoclassical Bronze Musician
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An impressive 19th century bronze statue of a neoclassical musician, seated on a gilded classical chair playing a harp.
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Neoclassical Bronze Musician
19th Century Neoclassical Bronze Musician

19th Century Neoclassical Bronze Musician

Pair of Continental 19th Century Neoclassical St. Statues, Signed J. Feiffer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and high quality pair of Continental 19th century neo-classical st. patinated bronze and Rouge Griotte marble statues, signed J. Feiffer. Each statue is raised by a fine t...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of Continental 19th Century Neoclassical St. Statues, Signed J. Feiffer
Pair of Continental 19th Century Neoclassical St. Statues, Signed J. Feiffer

Pair of Continental 19th Century Neoclassical St. Statues, Signed J. Feiffer

Pair of Silver Gilt Bronze French Tazzas with Tortoiseshell, 19th Century
Located in Southall, GB
This fine pair of French, silver, allegorical tazzas are tortoiseshelled. They include detailed wreaths on the walls of the base. A finely dressed woman holds each dish proudly above...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Pair of Silver Gilt Bronze French Tazzas with Tortoiseshell, 19th Century
Pair of Silver Gilt Bronze French Tazzas with Tortoiseshell, 19th Century

Pair of Silver Gilt Bronze French Tazzas with Tortoiseshell, 19th Century

17th Century Wooden Bust of the Greek Poet Homerus
Located in Esbeek, NL
Late 17th century wooden bust of the Greek poet Homerus. Damage on the right side of the bust, see picture.
Category

17th Century European Antique Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Wood

17th Century Wooden Bust of the Greek Poet Homerus
17th Century Wooden Bust of the Greek Poet Homerus

17th Century Wooden Bust of the Greek Poet Homerus

Handsome 19th Century Bronze and Marble Neoclassical Bust, Great Color & Patina.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Handsome 19th Century Bronze and Marble Neoclassical Bust, Great Color & Patina. Pristine Condition.
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Handsome 19th Century Bronze and Marble Neoclassical Bust, Great Color & Patina.
Handsome 19th Century Bronze and Marble Neoclassical Bust, Great Color & Patina.

Handsome 19th Century Bronze and Marble Neoclassical Bust, Great Color & Patina.

Neoclassical Cast Stone Equestrian Statue, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Neoclassical cast stone equestrian statue circa 1950.
Category

Mid-20th Century European Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Cast Stone

Neoclassical Cast Stone Equestrian Statue, circa 1950
Neoclassical Cast Stone Equestrian Statue, circa 1950

Neoclassical Cast Stone Equestrian Statue, circa 1950

19th Century Carved Carrara Marble Panel on Stand
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This sculptural carved Carrara marble panel is a fragment from 19th century England. It is beautifully carved with various decorative embellishments including a mask to the top, bird...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble, Steel

19th Century Carved Carrara Marble Panel on Stand
19th Century Carved Carrara Marble Panel on Stand

19th Century Carved Carrara Marble Panel on Stand

18th Century Italian Saint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From a beautiful home in Santa Barbara. Slight chipping in silver leaf on back side. Beautifully detailed.
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Sculptures

Materials

Silver Leaf

18th Century Italian Saint
18th Century Italian Saint

18th Century Italian Saint

Neoclassical sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical 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, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical sculptures made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Germany pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, Paul Edouard Delabriere, Ernest Rancoulet, and Friedrich Gornik. 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 $320 and tops out at $8,500 while the average work can sell for $825.

Recently Viewed

View All