Neoclassical Busts
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.
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Style: Neoclassical
18/19th Century Parian Marble Bust Sappho 1790/1800 Neoclassicism Villa Albani
Located in Epfach, DE
18/19th Century Parian Marble Bust Sappho 1790/1800 Neoclassicism Villa Albani
This classical marble bust depicts Sappho, a famous ancient Greek poet. She lived on the island of Les...
Category
1790s Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Huge Antique French Bronze Roman Soldier Sculpture by Picault
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Huge Antique French Bronze Roman Soldier Sculpture by Picault
Category
1890s French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
$3,487 Sale Price
25% Off
1950s Neoclassical White Crackled Ceramic Italian Bust of Antinoo
Located in Catania, Sicilia
The image shows a Neoclassical ceramic bust of Antinoo (Antinous), a celebrated figure from classical antiquity. This particular bust, dating from the 1950s, is crafted in a white ce...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Ceramic
"David by Michelangelo" Plaster Bust
Located in Sacile, PN
A gorgeous white Plaster Bust of "David by Michelangelo".
This statue is based on the sculpture of David by Michelangelo, which is a masterpiece ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Bronze Lincoln Bookend or Doorstop, in the Style of Victor David Brenner
By Victor David Brenner
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Finely Cast Bronze Abraham Lincoln Profile Bust Bookend or Doorstop, in the Style of Victor David Brenner, ca. 1930s
Bronze Lincoln Bookend or Doorst...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze, Steel
19th Century Continental Female Bust Sculpture in White Marble
Located in New York, NY
Fine antique (19th century) continental bust of a lovely female in curls and dress adorned with bows at the shoulder. Apparently unsigned.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
Alabaster Bust of Joan of Arc Attributed to Giuseppe Bessi Early XX Century
Located in Milano, MI
Alabaster bust depicting Joan of Arc, whose creation is attributed to Giuseppe Bessi in the early 20th century
Ø cm 27 Ø cm 16 h cm 28
Joan of Arc, also known as the Maid of Orléan...
Category
1910s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Alabaster
$1,368 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Marble Bust of Beatrice, Unsigned, in manner of Antonio Canova
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Beautifully executed bust of a female. Resembling the famous bust of Beatrice. No signature has been found. The artist remains unknown to us.
Wt. 15.8125 lb / 7.1724 kg
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Style Torso, Antique Carrara Marble Décor
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Italian torso of a Roman male in hand carved Carrara marble and mounted onto a black marble base, in good condition. The Italian décor represe...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
Vintage Classical Plaster Male Bust of Hermes Sculpture
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous cast plaster Neoclassical Grand Tour style male head bust of Hermes sculpture
USA, Late 20th Century
Measures: 8"W x 5"D x 13.25"H.
Good original vintage condition.
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Terra Cotta Head Bust of a Handsome Man
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Intriguing bust of a young man made of rustic unglazed terra-cotta great eyes expression, looking forward.
Beautiful object of art for display.
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Hadrian Roman Breccia Marble Bust
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Hadrian Roman Breccia and mixed marble bust with lapis lazuli brooch.
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Marble
Vintage Classical Plaster Male Bust of Hermes Sculpture
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous cast plaster Neoclassical Grand Tour style male head bust of Hermes sculpture
USA, Late 20th Century
Measures: 8"W x 5"D x 13.25"H.
Good original vintage condition.
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Marble Busts of Roman. Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
Marble Busts of Roman on pedestal. Early 19th Century
Category
1830s Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
John F Kennedy Bust by Edward Schillaci for Austin Productions 1960s
Located in San Diego, CA
Bust by artist Edward Schillaci who sculpted for Austin Productions from the 1950s thru the 1960s. This bust captured the essence of the then (1964) departed 35th U.S. President wit...
Category
1960s Vintage Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Plaster
Classical Plaster Bust of Mythological Apollo Belvedere Sculpture
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous cast plaster Neoclassical Grand Tour style male head bust of the mythological god Apollo Belvedere sculpture
USA, 21st Century
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Classical Plaster Bust of Goddess Diana Sculpture
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous cast plaster Neoclassical Grand Tour style female head bust of Diana the Huntress goddess sculpture
USA, 21st Century
Measures: 8"W x 5"D...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Buste De Venus
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Bust fragment of Venus, goddess of Love, seduction, and beauty in Roman mythology. The original statue dates back to the 5th century BC.
Sourced by Martyn Lawrence Bullard from Paris...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Composition
$2,300
French Female Bronze Bust After Etienne Henri Dumaige
Located in New York, NY
Antique (late 19th century) patinated bronze bust of a lovely female after the original model by the French master, Etienne Henri Dumaige, mounted on light blue marble plinth. 25 by...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Monumental Patinated Bronze Bust of George Washington, after William Rush (1817)
Located in Queens, NY
A Monumental Patinated Bronze Bust of George Washington, after William Rush (1817)
This commanding bronze bust of George Washington is modeled after t...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Antique Marble Bust of Venus
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique over life-size bust of Venus. Thanks to her scale, this Neoclassical style handcarved marble sculpture of Venus, Roman goddess of love and beauty, is very striking. Charac...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble
$17,481
20th Century Neo Classical Hand-Crafted Terracotta Sicilian Sculpture
Located in Catania, Sicilia
It’s a bust-style sculpture, capturing the head of a woman with soft, classical features. The face has serene, somewhat idealized features, with a closed or neutral mouth and heavy-l...
Category
Mid-20th Century Sicilian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Neoclassical Grand Tour Bust of Goddess Diana Sculpture
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous cast metal Neoclassical Grand Tour style female head bust of Diana the Huntress goddess sculpture
USA, Late 20th Century
Measures: 3"W x 2.5"D x 6"H.
Very good original...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Metal
19th Century Italian Grand Tour Bronze Sculpture of Arato, based on Chiurazzi
Located in Dresden, DE
Bust of Arato, Spartan general
Bronze
Italy, 19th century
Height 75 cm, width 60 cm, depth 30 cm. Base diameter 22 cm
Signed: ARATO
Bronze bust depicting a Roman warrior, based on m...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Bronze Bust of Homer
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century bronze bust of Homer attributed to the Chiurazzi Foundry, Naples, Italy. Homer was author of the epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Bust of a Classical Female Figure
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Italian Patinated Bronze Bust of a Classical Woman, likely inspired by Greco-Roman goddesses or muses. The bust features finely detailed, flowing curls and an elegant ex...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
$1,475 / item
French Plaster Dark Hermès Bust
Located in New York, NY
A finely cast plaster bust depicting Hermès (Mercury), modeled after a 4th-century BC Greek original.
The head is crisply detailed—tight curls, subtly parted lips, and a confident d...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
19th Century Victorian Neo Classical Terracotta Bust
Located in New York, NY
Classical terracotta bust in very good original condition showing only light cosmetic wear normal and consistent with age.
The bust depicts a woman’s head, her hair is tied back in ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
1820 Thorvaldsen Workshop White Marble Neoclassical Cupid Bust Sculpture
Located in Brescia, IT
This exceptional and magnificent white marble bust, was created and sculpted in 1820 circa, by the workshop of Bertel Thorvaldsen (Berthel Thorvaldsen Copenhagen, 1770 - 1844). After...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Antique 19th Century French Bronze Sculpture of Diana the Huntress by A. Moreau
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 19 1/4 in W: 20 in D: 8 in
This exceptional late 19th-century French bronze sculpture by the renowned artist Auguste Moreau (1834–1917) presents an elegant and powe...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Vintage Classical Male Bust Sculpture of Apollo Belvedere
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous cast composition Neoclassical Grand Tour style male head bust sculpture of Apollo Belvedere
USA, Late 20th Century
Measures: 10"W x 6.25"D x 16.25"H.
Good original vint...
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Composition
Antique Marble Statue of the Sleeping Ariadne
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This late Georgian antique marble statue is after the antique, depicting a scale fragment of the eminent 2nd century statue ‘Sleeping Ariadne’. C...
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble
Vintage Plaster Bust of Marc Anthony
Located in Troy, MI
Found in England, this plaster composite bust of Marc Anthony dates from the 1970s. Built in pedestal display stand. Unknown maker. Very good vintage condition with minor scattered s...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Other
Large Marble Bust of a Modern Music Goddess
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a large rose beige marble bust of a modern music goddess. She has abundant wavy hair arranged to the side. Her head is tilted to the same side of the hair while she is looking d...
Category
20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
$4,400 Sale Price
20% Off
Italian Black Bronze Flora Bust, Marble, Neoclassical
Located in Valladolid, ES
Exceptional bust of a woman, probably made in 19th century Italy, in patinated bronze, and following a neoclassical style. The head of "Flora" appears resting on a quadrangular base ...
Category
1860s Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Bronze
$2,124 Sale Price
50% Off
Neoclassical postmodern art glass bust of a Greek male, late 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
The neoclassical bust of a masculine Greek youth, late 20th century. Translucent resin - not dissimilar from alexandrite glass, which changes color depending on the light exposure - ...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Resin, Wood
$864 Sale Price
20% Off
Italian Neoclassic Style Bronze Poseidon Bust
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic style cast bronze Poseidon bust with black metal stand (19th Cent).
Category
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Italian Grand Tour Bronze Bust of Asclepius
Located in Bradenton, FL
Italian Grand Tour Bronze Bust of Asclepius, the Greek god of Medicine and Healing, revered since antiquity as the divine physician. Bust de...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Antique Male Torso Bust
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This plaster sculpture captures the classical male form in a headless, armless torso that echoes the refined beauty of ancient Greco-Roman statuary. Rendered with anatomical precisio...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
$3,400
Pair of Neo-classic Marble Diogenes
Socrates Busts
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Grecian style (19th Cent) large than life size white marble busts of \"DJOCENES\" and \"SOKRATES\" (Diogenes and Socrates)
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
$32,000 / set
Pair of Vintage Sculptural Cast Bronze Native American Indian Chief Bookends
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Matched pair of detailed cast bronze bookends depicting a North American Indian Chief bust. There are no maker's marks, initials or signature of eith...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
$3,995 Sale Price / set
27% Off
Striking Female Bust of Saint or Princess on Black Cube
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Striking composite bust of female in period head dress. Perhaps she is a saint or princess. Signed on bottom. Base is a black cube, 4.5" x 4.5"
Category
Early 2000s American Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Composition
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Plaster Bust of a Roman Woman
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 19th-century Italian Neoclassical bust captures the timeless beauty and grace of a Roman woman, rendered in plaster with exquisite attention to detail. The subject’s ser...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
French 19th Century Terracotta Bust of Madame Récamier, After Jean-Antoine Houdo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine French 19th century terracotta bust of "Madame Récamier (French, 1777-1849)" The coyly gazing downward beauty, holding a veil across her chest r...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Vintage Neoclassical Style Plaster Bust
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century Neoclassical style plaster bust of a Roman soldier.
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
AMPHORA Terracotta Young Boy Bust Sculpture
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Terracotta Bust of a Young Roman Ephebe, Signed “Amphora” — Neoclassical Style.
This striking terracotta bust of a young Roman ephebe, signed “Amphora,” is a refined example of neoc...
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Plaster Bust of Diana of Versailles
Located in Queens, NY
Plaster bust of Diana of Versailles, a statue of the Greek goddess Artemis.
Category
20th Century Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Antique French Terracotta Sculpture Signed T. Foris
Located in Houston, TX
Antique French Terracotta sculpture signed T. Foris.
Well executed French terra cotta sculpture signed T. Foris (1921). This lovely French f...
Category
1920s French Vintage Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Terracotta
"Diana" Plaster Bust, Italy 1960 ca
Located in Sacile, PN
Bust of goddes "Diana". The bust is made of plaster, with a weathered and slightly worn surface. The woman is portrayed with a serene and contemplative expression, her eyes gently do...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
A Pair 19th Century Italian Hand-Carved Carrara Marble Busts of Apollo
Artemis
Located in New York, NY
An Outstanding Pair 19th Century Italian Hand-Carved Carrara Marble Busts of Apollo & Artemis, One Bust is Signed on the Back, "F Vichi". This pair of stunning marble busts, hand-car...
Category
1860s Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
Antique Italian Neoclassical Carved Alabaster Bust C1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Italian Neoclassical Carved Alabaster Bust C1900
This antique Italian bust, crafted in the Neoclassical style around 1900, is carved from alabaster. The bust features a deta...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Alabaster
$280 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of 19th cent. Diana
Apollo Bronze Busts on Rouge Marble Mounts
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pair of marble and bronze Neo Classical Grand Tour decorative sculptures, w Bronze busts of Diane and Apollo , standing on Red Marble columns & bases w. gilt Bronze mounts.
Both sig...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Italian Neoclassic Style Bronze Poseidon Bust
Located in Queens, NY
Italian neoclassic style cast bronze Poseidon bust with black metal stand (19th century).
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Pair French 19 Century Apollo and Daphne Bronze Clad Busts
Located in New York, NY
Pair of very decorative French 19 century Apollo and Daphne Bronze Clad Busts.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Bronze
Barbedienne Bronze Washington Bust
Located in Queens, NY
Life size bronze bust of George Washington on square shaped black marble base (signed BARBEDIENNE) 19th Cent.
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Two 18th Century Italian Marble Emperor Busts
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of mid 18th century Italian marble busts depicting the Roman Emperors Augustus and Nero.
Also known as Octavian, Augustus was the first Roman Emperor and founder of the Roman...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble
Antique Italian Neoclassical Carrara Marble Bust of Daphne, Apollo
s First Love
Located in New York, NY
A fabulously hand carved antique neoclassical style Italian Carrara marble bust of Daphne. This bust is of immaculate quality and craftsmanship. Daphne's hair is beautifully hand car...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Carrara Marble
Italian Neo-classic Resin Man Bust
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neo-classic style (20th Cent) resin life size bust of a curly haired Greek or Roman youth raised on a round plinth.
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Resin
18th Century Large Italian Marble Bust of Caesar Augustus
Located in Dublin 8, IE
18th Century Italian Marble Bust of Caesar Augustus. His draped robe is hand-carved in red rosso levanto marble with the face modelled in contrasting white Carrara marble. The piece ...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Marble, Carrara Marble
Plaster sculpture by Charles Filleul, bust of a Renaissance man.
Located in NANTES, FR
This plaster studio bust was created by Charles Filleul (1856–1907). Please note that it is likely a preparatory work for a larger bronze statue.
The patina is original and untouche...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Busts
Materials
Plaster
Neoclassical busts for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical 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, building and garden elements, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, marble and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical busts made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original busts, popular names associated with this style include Affortunato Gory, Antonio Frilli, Camille Tharaud, and Copeland. 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 $400 and tops out at $75,000 while the average work can sell for $4,450.
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