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Modern Busts

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
Ephraim Doner Plaster Bust by Florence Fiore
Located in Savannah, GA
Florence Fiore (American, 1905-1999) A plaster bust of Ephraim Doner by Florence Fiore, circa 1930s. Ephraim Doner was a prominent figure and artist of the Big Sur and Carmel milieu in the mid 20th century. He was a friend to Henry Miller who mentions him extensively in Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch. 10 inches wide by 9 ½ inches deep by 18 inches tall Florence Reeve Fiore was a portrait artist and sculptor who was active on the east coast in New York, Washington and Jekyll Island...
Category

1930s American Vintage Modern Busts

Materials

Plaster

Rosario Russell Fiore Plaster Bust
Located in Savannah, GA
A plaster bust of sculptor Rosario Russell Fiore, circa 1980. Unsigned. Likely by his wife Florence Fiore. 8 inches wide by 9 ½ inches deep by 16 ½ inches tall Rosario R. Fiore was a prominent American sculptor and member of the National Sculpture Society. Fiore studied at the Mechanics Institute, the National Academy of Design, and the Beaux Arts Academy. Protege of Robert Aitken, he assisted with the creation of the figures in the pediment of the Supreme Court Building, the front of the Archives, and in the Samuel Gompers Memorial. Other notable achievements include serving as a sculptor for the National Park Service and WPA, the Smithsonian, the Department of the Interior, receiving awards for service provided to the US Army, and undertaking commissions for the White House during the Truman and Kennedy administrations. Born in New York, he was active there, in Washington and in Jekyll...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Busts

Materials

Plaster

Contemporary Bust of a Man made out of carved and painted Pine, 2023
Located in Berlin, DE
Crafted in 2023, the Contemporary Bust of a Man breathes life into the age-old tradition of sculptural expression. Hewn from pine, its form emerges from the raw essence of nature, ca...
Category

2010s German Modern Busts

Materials

Plaster, Pine, Paint

Modern Black Flute Column, Pedestal Sculpture, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Flute Column, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. Flute is the perfect standing piece of art to enhance any interior. Flute is a unique design with con...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Busts

Materials

Brass

Modern Apolo Bust Sculpture Piece Calacatta Marble, Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Apolo Bust, Calacatta Bianco Marble, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Apolo bust is a captivating sculptural piece meticulously crafted from Cal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Busts

Materials

Marble, Statuary Marble

Ira Yeager Sculpture Pierrot Clown Head on Stand
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Whimsical French pantomime pierrot head or bust sculpture mounted on a stand by artist Ira Yeager (American 1938-2022). One of several Ira created from pain...
Category

20th Century American Modern Busts

Materials

Concrete, Tin

Luna Modern Imported Stone Resin Sculpted Female Bust, Made-to-Order, New
Located in New York, NY
This modern stone resin bust is inspired by the unforgettable Donyale Luna. An African American woman, originally from Detroit, Luna became one of the world's first international sup...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Busts

Materials

Resin

Contemporary Pop Art Bust in Concrete and Paint, Felix Bachmann 2024
Located in Berlin, DE
Experience the vibrant energy of contemporary pop art bust by Felix Bachmann, created in 2024. Crafted from concrete and adorned with bold paint strokes, it embodies the fusion of mo...
Category

2010s German Modern Busts

Materials

Concrete

Miguel Berrocal: "Eros", Sculpture-jewel and Perfume - 1994
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Miguel Ortiz Berrocal (1933-2006, Spain): "Eros" Perfume bottle in its original box topped with a sculpture of a male bust with an antique green patina, and 24-carat gold plated fo...
Category

1990s French Modern Busts

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Head Bust of Indian, Lapis Lazuli Silvered Metal Sculpture, Mexico, ca. 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary Head Bust of Indian Lapis Lazuli, Silvered Metal & Granite Mexico, ca. 1980s DIMENSIONS Height: 13.75 inches Width: 4.5 inches ...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Busts

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Metal

Bronze Abstract Head By Wolf Bröll 1993
Located in Norwich, GB
Striking Abstract Impressionist bronze head by Wolf Bröll (1950-2016) part polished, with dark brown rough textured areas. Artist monogram WB and number 1/12. Dated 1993. The bron...
Category

1990s German Modern Busts

Materials

Bronze

Small Chinese Zodiac Head Busts
Located in Greenwich, CT
These small Chinese Zodiac head busts were handcrafted and designed from the Netherlands and feature sculptural busts of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodi...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic

Tucan Ceramic Centerpiece, Gold details Completely Handmade Without Mold, 2024
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a goat in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a may different colors. All the pieces from Mosche Bianche are unique since they are...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

French Bronze Brooch Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A cast bronze brooch by French Parisian Art Jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1950s. The small lovely bronze pieces features a medallion insignia design with olive branch wreath...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Busts

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Two Classical White Marble Bust of a Ladys, Italy 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A graceful white marble bust depicting a refined classical lady, draped in softly carved garments and adorned with an elegant headpiece. The sculpture captures serene beauty and time...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

Life-Size Ceramic Female Sculpture by Eva Stettner
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A spectacular 1980s Raku-fired ceramic female nude sculpture by Eva Stettner. The female sculpture is constructed of sections of ceramic that’s low fired ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Two-Tone Marble Bust of a Roman Nobleman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant two-tone marble bust of a Roman nobleman, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and classical refinement. The finely carved white marble head, with detailed curls and a nea...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

Late 20th Century Vintage Bronze Abstract Sculpture of Woman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover the compelling beauty of abstract form with this vintage bronze sculpture depicting a woman's head. Crafted from bronze, the sculpture features striking, faceted planes and ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Busts

Materials

Bronze

Neoclassical Marble Bust of a Roman General
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A finely detailed neoclassical marble bust depicting a Roman general in full armor, adorned with intricate reliefs of mythological figures and a commanding lion head motif at the cen...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

Armor Horse, Silver finish, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Without Mold, NEW 2024
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of an Horse in a modern way. The animal is gently handcrafted starting from clay and all hand worked. All the pieces from Mosche Bianche are uniq...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic

"Sharp is the Action" Mask Sculpture by Dave Root, High-Fire Stoneware, Signed
Located in Kansas City, MO
From a series of masks and heads, "Sharp is the Action" is a tabletop sculpture inspired by the masks and heads made throughout Oceania. Landing in the nebulous zone between ceremony...
Category

2010s American Modern Busts

Materials

Stoneware

HEAD OF PLATO IN TERRACOTTA FROM THE GLYPTOTHEK IN MUNICH 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
HEAD OF PLATO IN TERRACOTTA FROM THE GLYPTOTHEK IN MUNICH 20th Century H: 44cm x 20cm Plato (Athens, 428/427 BC – Athens, 348/347 BC) A terracotta copy of the famous artifact prese...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Terracotta

Spring Calla Flower Womad face, Elegant and Unique. Handmade with no mold. Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a woman in a modern way. The woman is gently painted with acrylic color. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand, without any mo...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Marry Me Gorilla Ceramic Centerpiece Handmade in Italy Without Mold, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a man in a modern way. The man is gently painted with acrylic color. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand, without any mold....
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Man in Nature Head Ceramic Centerpiece Handmade in Italy Without Mold. 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a woman in a modern way. The woman is gently painted with acrylic color. Our designer creates these pieces complet...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Tightrope Antelope Sculpture Centerpiece, Completely Handmade Without Mold, 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of an Antelope in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a brown color. Our designer creates these pieces com...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Brown Lion Ceramic Sculpture Centerpiece, Completely Handmade Without Mold. 2023
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a Lion in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a brown color. Our designer creates these pieces complet...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Venere V26, Woman s Moorish Head, Vase without Crown, Handmade in Sicily, Size M
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The Collection This collection offers ideas for contemporary décor through sophisticated revelations of art bound to the tradition of ceramics of Caltagirone, objets d’art that co...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Enamel

Venere V15, Woman s Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Hand Painted, Size L
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The Collection This collection offers ideas for contemporary décor through sophisticated revelations of art bound to the tradition of ceramics of Caltagirone, objets d’art that co...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Enamel

Venere V15, Man s Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Hand Painted, Size L
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The Collection This collection offers ideas for contemporary décor through sophisticated revelations of art bound to the tradition of ceramics of Caltagirone, objets d’art that co...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Enamel

ISIDE I12.Man s Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Centerpiece, Size L
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
THE COLLECTION This collection offers ideas for contemporary décor through sophisticated revelations of art bound to the tradition of ceramics of Caltagirone, objets d’art that comb...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Enamel

ISIDE I12, Man s Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021 Centerpiece Size M Vase
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
THE COLLECTION This collection offers ideas for contemporary décor through sophisticated revelations of art bound to the tradition of ceramics of Caltagirone, objets d’art that combine history and design. The extreme attention to details, supported by twenty years of experience of master craftsmen, is the company’s strength. The production technique hides secrets and art mixtures that make the product unique and exclusive. Mosche Bianche chooses to combine art and design to recall history through ceramic artworks in doing so, history revives, as in a fairy tale, an incredible civilization that is the sicilian culture. The moorish heads in ceramics, tribute to the beauty of ancient Sicily...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Enamel

ISIDE I11, Moorish Head, Handmade in Sicily, 2021, Centerpiece, Size M
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
THE COLLECTION This collection offers ideas for contemporary décor through sophisticated revelations of art bound to the tradition of ceramics of Caltagirone, objets d’art that combine history and design. The extreme attention to details, supported by twenty years of experience of master craftsmen, is the company’s strength. The production technique hides secrets and art mixtures that make the product unique and exclusive. Mosche Bianche chooses to combine art and design to recall history through ceramic artworks in doing so, history revives, as in a fairy tale, an incredible civilization that is the sicilian culture. The moorish heads in ceramics, tribute to the beauty of ancient Sicily...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Enamel

Futurist Horses, Decorative Centerpiece Handmade Italy 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer. The creations are completely made by hand. Ceramic and paint are water resistant.      
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Owls in Love, Decorative Centerpiece Handmade Italy 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer. The creations are completely made by hand. Ceramic and paint are water resistant.  
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Fish King Sunglasses, Decorative Centerpiece Handmade Italy 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer. The creations are completely made by hand. Ceramic and paint are water resistant.  
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Skater Boy, Decorative Centerpiece Handmade Italy 2020, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation created by our designer. The creations are completely made by hand. Ceramic and paint are water resistant.  
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Ibex Animal Ceramic and Gold Leaf Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Ital, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of an ibex in a modern way. The animal is browsing leaves (gold leaf). Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.   
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Gold Leaf

Hippo with Birds, Ceramic Centerpiece, Handmade Design in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of an hippo in a modern way. The animal has got a birds all over his body. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.    
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Gold Leaf

Woman s Head Decorative Ceramic Piece, Handmade Italy, 2021, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece is a unique representation of a woman's head in a modern way. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.  
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Musician Trumpet Decorative Ceramic Piece, Handmade Italy, 2021, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece represents a musician playing his trumpet. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.   
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Musician Drums Decorative Ceramic Piece, Handmade Italy, 2021, Hand-Crafted
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
The piece represents a musician playing his trumpet. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand.   
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Sculpture of a Tilted Face in Patinated Bronze, Contemporary Art, 21st Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture of a tilted face in patinated bronze, Contemporary art, 21st century. Sculpture of a tilted face in patinated bronze, contemporary art, 21st century. h: 42cm, w: 40cm, d: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Busts

Materials

Bronze

French Modern Marble Portrait Bust of a Lady, by L. Cordonnier, 1951
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French modern marble portrait bust of a lady, by L. Cordonnier, '51 A serene carved marble portrait bust of a young lady with braided hair looking downwards. Signed L. Cordonnier,...
Category

20th Century French Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

Ceramic Sculpture Bagnante Model by Ugo La Pietra for Superego Editions, Italy
Located in Milan, Italy
Great female bust ceramic-molded casting, Bagnante, "Monumento alla balnearita'" collection, designed by Ugo La Pietra and produced by Superego Editions. Limited edition of 29 pieces...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Italian Marble Carrara Sculpture "Horse Head" 20th Century H: 40cm
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of Horse head sculpture on white Carrara marble horse in classic style placed on a turned base in Carrara marble. 20th century. Dimension: including base: H 40 x 30 x 13 cm. ...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

Italian Stone Sculpture Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian Stone Sculpture Early 20th Century stone 70cm x 50cm good original condition
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Stone

Richard Russell Jr. Bust by Rosario Russell Fiore, 1975
Located in Savannah, GA
Rosario Russell Fiore (American, 1908-1994) A large plaster bust of Georgia Governor and United States Senator Richard Russell Jr., 1975. The bronze is in the Capitol Museum Collect...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Busts

Materials

Plaster

Pair of Wooden Native American Busts
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A complementary pair of male and female Native American, wooden busts by Jose Pinal, made in Mexico. One form highlights a more subdued disposition with lon...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Busts

Materials

Wood

Particolare Scultura "Anatomica" in marmo bianco di Carrara
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Scultura su marmo carrara, anatomia umana, scultura anatomica, scultura anatomia, scultura memento, scultura italiana, scultura made in italy ParticoIare e unica scultura rappresenta...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

Emilio Greco, "Anna" A Cast Bronze Bust of a Women
Located in Montreal, QC
Inspired by the Italian Mannerist tradition, this bronze bust titled "Anna" was cast in 1954 by Emilio Greco. (Italian, 11 October 1913 – 4 April 1995) The bronze has a brown patinat...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Bronze

Modern Art Bronze Male Bust Sculpture T.B.-1
Located in Toledo, OH
Modern art bronze male bust sculpture. Laminate base. Very nice condition. Dimensions: 8" depth x 9" W x 17" H.
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Busts

Materials

Bronze

Spiderman Bust Sculpture in Carrara Marble
Located in Tivoli Terme, Roma
The sculpture was made from a single block of Carrara statuary marble, one of a kind piece.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble

Alexander Ney, Head, Gilt Terracotta Sculpture, circa 1990
Located in New York, NY
Gilt terracotta sculpture on marble base. Signed with artist's facsimile, dated '90 Alexander Ney (Russian, born in 1939 in Leningrad, Russia) is an American sculptor and painter...
Category

1990s American Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

CLOVIS EDMOND MASSON (1838-1913) "Lion and Lioness" 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
CLOVIS EDMOND MASSON (1838-1913) "Lion and Lioness". Bronze sculptural group. Signed. Dim.: 32 x 84 x 22 cm very good condition
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Modern Busts

Materials

Bronze

Sculpture Bust Woman with Tattoo in Statuario Carrara Marble
Located in Tivoli Terme, Roma
The sculpture bust was made from a single block of Statuario Carrara marble. Tattoo was made with manual micro-dots technique by the artist.   
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble, Statuary Marble

Italian Marble Sculpture Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian Marble Sculpture Early 20th Century Marble 70cm x 50cm good original condition
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

Frieze, Coffee Table, Functional Art Sculpture by Eduard Locota
Located in Timisoara, RO
From extremely detailed 3D scans of the most important classical sculptures of all times, Eduard Locota has digitally sliced and extracted the essential portion of the artwork, then ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balkan Modern Busts

Materials

Ceramic, Acrylic, Fiberglass

Italian Stone Sculpture Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian Stone Sculpture Early 20th Century stone 70cm x 50cm good original condition
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Stone

Pair of Angels in Italian Marble Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of Angels in Italian Marble Early 20th Century Marble 65cm x 30cm original conditions
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Modern Busts

Materials

Marble

Modern busts for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern busts 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 busts created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, paint and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern busts made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original busts, popular names associated with this style include Mosche Bianche, Europa Antiques, Pascale Girardin, and VG-VGnewtrend. 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 busts differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $175 and tops out at $134,774 while the average work can sell for $2,774.

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