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Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

Biedermeier Style

The authentic Biedermeier furniture on 1stDibs is representative of the first modern European decorative style not dictated by the tastes of the aristocracy. Following the Napoleonic wars, a growing, wealthy urban middle class in the German-speaking states of Central Europe began to demand rights and privileges once granted only to nobles. To avoid trouble, the upwardly striving confined their political discussions to one another’s homes. And so the salon was born.

Cabinetmakers in cities such as Vienna, Berlin and Mainz began to offer goods that reflected the tastes and needs of the new class. The makers of Biedermeier chairs, tables and other furniture used little or no gilding, silver hardware or other lavish ornament. Ebonized trims are common on Biedermeier cabinetry, and neoclassical elements — lyre-shaped chair splats, carved scrollwork, table supports shaped like Greek columns. But the strongest aesthetic statement came from the wood — richly-grained, honey-colored, often book-matched veneers of walnut and fruitwood.

There are two iconic Biedermeier furniture forms, both made to outfit rooms designed for conversation. One is the sofa, deeply upholstered with a strong, architectural wooden frame. The second is the circular pedestal table, which stood at the center of the room, offering a surface on which to place coffee and cake services; or to roll out a map, or sketch out ideas on paper.

“Biedermeier” was originally a derogatory term — it derives from the pen names of two German magazine writers who mocked bourgeois manners. Looking at the elegant and refined antique, new and vintage Biedermeier furniture offered on 1stDibs, that is now an amusing irony.

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Style: Biedermeier
Austrian Antique Religious Wood Sculpture Praying Angel
Located in Boca Raton, FL
19 th c Austrian Antique handcarved wood religious sculpture of a praying angel, kneeling on. One knee on a wood base. Remnants of silver paint. Split of wood in the middle due to wo...
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Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

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Fruitwood

Meissen Figurine Chiarina , Russian Ballet Carnival , by Paul Scheurich, 20th
Located in Vienna, AT
Finest Meissen Porcelain Figurine: Dancer balancing on the ball of her left foot, lifting her right leg slightly forward with her foot extended downward, leaning her head to the righ...
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Mid-20th Century German Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

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Porcelain

Bronze Patinaed Native American Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Continental Austrian style bronze multicolored patinaed figure of Native American chief with rifle standing on a travertine base (Kalba style)
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19th Century American Antique Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Cast Iron Outdoor Figure of a Holy Man Statue
Located in Queens, NY
Outdoor cast iron statue of a religious leader wearing a long robe with a removable staff (SIGNED ON BASE). Condition is appropriate for the age and intended use
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19th Century Unknown Antique Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Metal Statuette On a Marble Base
Located in Queens, NY
Continental 19th / 20th-Century metal statuette with a bronze patina depicting miner on a black marble base. (Companion piece: GRS327).
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19th Century Unknown Antique Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

German Pewter Mushroom Gnome
Located in Queens, NY
Continental German (19/20th Cent) pewter small figure of a gnome holding a mushroom with a perferated top (toothpick holder) and standing on a stylized round base (WMF)
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19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Pewter

German Porcelain Nude Lady Figure
Located in Queens, NY
German (19/20th Cent) small porcelain torsos of nude lady with hands extended and gold hair piece
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19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

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Gold

Meissen Figurine Estrella , Russian Ballet Carnival , by Paul Scheurich, 20th
Located in Vienna, AT
Finest Meissen Porcelain Figurine: Dancer balancing on her toes, turning her head to the right and bringing her right hand indecisively to her chin, while with her left hand she perf...
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Late 20th Century German Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

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Porcelain

Antique Silver Relief King Ludwig I. von Bayern by Ludwig Leigh
Located in Munich, DE
This miniature relief portrait of King Ludwig I. of Bavaria is made out of chased silver. I has been executed by Ludwig Leigh and is signed L.Leigh. The po...
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1840s German Antique Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Pair of Continental 19th Century Majolica Figures
Located in Queens, NY
"Pair of Continental (19th Century) Majolica putti figures, each supported by a yellow stump and green glazed pedestal base. One curly haired figure is holding a chaff of wheat (Fall...
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19th Century European Antique Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

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Ceramic

Meissen Figurine Estrella , Russian Ballet Carnival , by Paul Scheurich, 20th
Located in Vienna, AT
Finest Meissen Porcelain Figurine: Dancer balancing on her toes, turning her head to the right and bringing her right hand indecisively to her chin, while with her left hand she per...
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Mid-20th Century German Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

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Porcelain

Pair of Marble Portrait Busts of Male and Female 19th Century American
Located in London, GB
Two busts of male and female couple carved in marble, Biedemeier style American second half of 19th century, signed on reverse of each carved 'Dewey'. Two Portrait of a well to do couple firmly telling the America they have arrived and are upstanding. The hand carved marble busts are skillfully detailed and take you on a journey of the fruitiness of Middle America...
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Mid-19th Century Central American Antique Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

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Carrara Marble

Portrait Bust of a Lady, Dated 1837
Located in Greding, DE
Portrait bust of a lady of the Biedermeier period. The bust was most probably modelled in plaster using the impression of the death mask. Signed on the ...
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1830s Antique Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

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Pair of Early 20thC Hand Carved Carrara Marble Guardian Angels Praying
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Meissen Ensemble Of 5 Models, Russian Ballet Carnival , by Paul Scheurich, 20th
Located in Vienna, AT
Set of finest Meissen Porcelain Figures: 'HARLEKIN & COLUMBINE' Dancing couple depicting the figures of the Harlequin and the Columbine: Dancer balancing on her toes in an elaborate crinoline dress with a plunging neckline, her hair artfully pinned up with floral decorations, her outstretched arms pressed down in front of her and her head tilted to the left with her mouth open, facing her dance partner, the latter dressed in colourfully patterned harlequin trousers with a white shirt and a large black bow, He is dressed in colourful, patterned harlequin trousers with a white shirt and a large black bow, which he presses against his chest with his left hand, and a black cap that reaches down over his eyes like a mask, the batte on his hip, nestling against the dancer's side and burying his right arm around her hips in the ruffles of her dress and suggesting a kiss with his mouth open. The group is supported by a pedestal beneath the dancer's skirt and rests on an oval plinth painted with a diamond pattern and floral decoration. Height: 10.62 in Blue Meissen crossed swords mark of the 20th century Year's sign 1977 Model nr. 73306 (D 287) / Former's nr. 123 'ESTRELLA' Dancer balancing on her toes, turning her head to the right and bringing her right hand indecisively to her chin while making a defensive gesture with her left hand - feigning horror at the stormy courtship of her gallant Eusebius. She is wearing a crinoline dress decorated with flowers and a bonnet. The figure is supported by a pedestal and rests on an oval plinth painted with a diamond pattern. Height: 10.62 in Blue Meissen crossed swords mark 1934-1947 Model nr. D 285 / Former's nr. 48 / Painter's nr. 15 'CHIARINA' Dancer balancing on the ball of her left foot, raising her right leg slightly forwards with her foot stretched downwards, leaning her head to the right and elegantly bringing both arms to her left side, flowers in her hands. She is wearing an elaborate crinoline dress with a flowered top and a bonnet, with a mask, fan and flowers scattered on the floor. The figure is supported by a pedestal and rests on an oval plinth painted with a diamond pattern. Height: 10.43 in Blue Meissen crossed swords mark 1934-1947 Modellnr. D 286 / Former's nr. 51 / Painter's nr. 12 'EUSEBIUS' Dancer in a wide lunge, his upper body turned to the right with his arm stretched backwards, holding his left hand to his heart and adoring his beloved Chiarina. He wears his hair parted in curls, his costume in the style of a dandy with chequered trousers, a tight-fitting blue tailcoat with a flower pinned to the lapel, top hat, mask and riding crop at his feet. The figure is supported by a rock and rests...
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Meissen Figurine Chiarina , Russian Ballet Carnival , by Paul Scheurich, 20th
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Meissen Group Harlekin Columbine , Russian Ballet Carnival , Scheurich, 20th
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Antique Sled, Switzerland Mid 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Very rare antique sled coming from Switzerland and dating back to the first half of the 19th century. The wooden sled shows some remaining color and gil...
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1820s Swiss Antique Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

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Antique Sled, Switzerland Mid 19th Century
Antique Sled, Switzerland Mid 19th Century
H 35.44 in W 63 in D 19.69 in
Meissen Porcelain Figure Biedermeier Lady by Paul Scheurich, 1924-1934
Located in Vienna, AT
Standing female figure with artfully pinned dark brown curls and a white Biedermeier dress leaning against a pedestal. The young lady with bowed head and modest look is the opposite ...
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Meissen Figure Estrella from the Russian Ballet Carnival by Paul Scheurich
Located in Vienna, AT
Finest Meissen Porcelain from the early 20th century. The dancer balances on her toes, turns her head to the right and hesitantly leads her right hand to her mouth while she makes a...
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Finest Meissen Porcelain Figure Dude by Paul Scheurich, circa 1920
Located in Vienna, AT
Standing vain Biedermeier beau leaning on a pedestal presents masculine elegance from the necktie to the toes of the shoe, his chest puffed up with ruffles, his head in a heavy velvet collar, he tests his effect. The complacent dude is the opposite of the modest, shy 'Biedermeier Lady...
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Finest Meissen Porcelain Figure Biedermeier Lady by Paul Scheurich, circa 1920
Located in Vienna, AT
Standing female figure with artfully pinned dark brown curls and a white Biedermeier dress leaning against a pedestal. The young lady with bowed head and modest look is the opposite ...
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Finest Meissen Porcelain Figurine Dude by Paul Scheurich, circa 1919
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare Meissen figurine of stunning appearance Manufactory: Meissen Germany Manufactured circa 1920 Technique: handmade porcelain, finest handpainting, glossy finish Designer...
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Beautiful Mary Joseph Jesus Porcelain Figures Antique, German, 1860s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
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Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Bird Bath in Solid Marble
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Early 19th century handcut bird bath in sold marble. In the middle a heart with a rich garlanded and hearts around the heart in the character of German Biedermeier. Marble in a grey...
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Marble

Biedermeier figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Biedermeier figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage figurative sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Biedermeier figurative sculptures made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Central America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original figurative sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Meissen Porcelain, and Paul Scheurich. 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 figurative sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,551 and tops out at $5,108 while the average work can sell for $3,874.

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