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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
Pair of Outdoor Iron Female Figure Statuaries
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Outdoor faux marble painted iron classic life size female figures on scroll base holding cornucopia (19/20th Cent) (attr. Val D\'Osne)
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19th Century Unknown Antique Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

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Iron

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

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

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

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Iron

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

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

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Pair of Berlin Porcelain Asian Couple Figures
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of German Berlin porcelain 18th Century figures of Asian man with cymbals and lady with parrot
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18th Century German Antique Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

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

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Bronze

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

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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

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Silver

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

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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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

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

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Plaster

Meissen Figurine Estrella , Russian Ballet Carnival , by Paul Scheurich, 20th
Located in Vienna, AT
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Mid-20th Century German Biedermeier Figurative Sculptures

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Porcelain

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Antique Sled, Switzerland Mid 19th Century
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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.