Skip to main content

Neoclassical Figurative 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
50
512
1
1
32
283
197
2
72
28
25
12
3
7
2
1
2
1
7
3
2
1,755
1,591
1,278
515
370
287
227
220
167
122
97
79
54
54
42
25
21
238
191
187
145
72
295
184
432
218
149
29
29
Height
to
Width
to
514
514
514
5
4
3
3
3
Style: Neoclassical
French Neo-Classical St. Ormolu Statue Signed Jean Antonin Carlès
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality French Turn of the Century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu and Onyx statue of Aquarius, signed Antonin Carlès, Paris 1903. This handsome statue is raised on an oval Onyx base which follows the contours of the Ormolu statue...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ormolu

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 Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Terra Cotta Figure After the Bronze by Pierre-Jean David d Angers 1788
Located in Dallas, TX
a beautifully modeled antique terra cotta sculpture after the bronze by Pierre-Jean David d'Angers (French, 1788-1856) depicting Louis II of Bourbon, Prince of Condé (1621-1686), kn...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Pair of 18th Century Italian Carved Figures
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Not sure if paint is original. Finely carved and unusual. From a beautiful home in Santa Barbara.
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paint

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 Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Paint

Studio Plaster by Théodore Rivière – Dr. Salmon.
Located in NANTES, FR
Studio Plaster by Théodore Rivière – Dr. Salmon, Early 20th Century This studio plaster was created by French sculptor Théodore Rivière and represents Dr. Salmon. It is an early 20t...
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Studio Plaster Medallion by Ch. Filleul Head of a Young Child Early 20th Century
Located in NANTES, FR
Studio Plaster Medallion – Attributed to Charles Filleul – Head of a Young Child, Early 20th Century This unsigned studio plaster medallion originates from the workshop of Charles F...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Studio plaster by Charles Filleul, child s profile, A Little Rascal.
Located in NANTES, FR
This studio plaster originates from the workshop of Charles Filleul and features a double patina. It bears the inscription "Un Petit Teigneux" along with the signature of Charles Fil...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Terracotta medallion by Charles Filleul – Profile of a young child, 20th century
Located in NANTES, FR
This medallion bears the monogram of Charles Filleul and originates from the artist’s workshop. The artist’s hand is clearly evident in the work. In terms of condition, please note ...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese-style studio plaster plaque by Charles Filleul, 20th century.
Located in NANTES, FR
This plaster plaque comes from the workshop of Charles Filleul and dates from the 20th century. Unfortunately, it has been broken and reattached. Our photos allow you to appreciate...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Studio plaster by Charles Filleul – Child holding an amphora.
Located in NANTES, FR
This plaster piece comes from the workshop of Charles Filleul and is a preparatory work. The sculpture is in overall presentable but not perfect condition. Please note some damage, ...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Studio plaster by Charles Filleul depicting a young boy.
Located in NANTES, FR
This is a studio plaster originating from the workshop of Charles Filleul. Though unsigned, it is indeed the work of Charles Filleul and is likely a preparatory study. The plaster h...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Studio plaster by Ch. Filleul – child embracing a nude woman, 20th century
Located in NANTES, FR
This is a preliminary draft, likely for a public commission — a preparatory work. The entire piece was hand-modeled, and the artist’s touch is still very much present. Regarding con...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Continental 19th Century Neoclassical St. Ormolu and Marble Statue of Athena
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most decorative and high quality Continental 19th century neo-classical st. ormolu and marble statue of Athena. The statue is raised by a plinth wit...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Young Women with Flowers by Sylvain Kinsburger
Located in Paris, FR
Late 19th century bronze group featuring two young women with flowers on a small naturalistic terrace. Signed on the terrace: KINSBURGER. Sculptor and engr...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique Statuary White Marble Sculpture of a Youth
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A mid 19th century antique statuary white marble sculpture of a youth wearing a toga, possibly a young St. John the Baptist in the manner of Italian n...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Statuary Marble

Napoleon III French Solid Marble Bust, Signed by Sculptor of a Beautiful Women
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this rare and quite exquisite original 19th century Napoleon III French bust of a stunning young lady signed to the rear. A truly stunning sculp...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

War and Peace , Pair of Antique Italian Marble Figures
Located in London, GB
These beautiful antique marble figures are truly timeless works of sculpture, though they are almost 300 years old, they will still make joyous additions to a classical or antiques,i...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Pair Of Continental 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Bronze And Marble Statues
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A remarkable and high quality pair of Continental 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze and Rouge Griotte marble statues, attributed to J. Feiffer. Each statue is raised by...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Marble Bust of a Young Man, Carrara Marble
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Marble Bust of a Young Man, Carrara Marble.
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Carrara Marble

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 Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Silver Leaf

19th Century French Small Bronze Sculptures Dionysus Ariadne
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century French Small Bronze Sculptures Dionysus & Ariadne
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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 Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of Italian 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Sienna and Marble Obelisks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and large scale pair of Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. Sienna and Black Belgian marble obelisks. Each obelisk is raised by a square mottled Black Belgian marble ba...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Siena Marble

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 Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pair of French 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Bronze and Ormolu Statues
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and very high quality pair of French 19th century neo-classical st. patinated bronze and ormolu statues. The statues depict hunter gatherers/explorers and are each raised by an elegant octagonal and mottled base. The statue to the left depicts a handsome male...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Statue
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A superb and high quality French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze and ormolu statue. The statue is raised by a rectangular ormolu base with a most elegant and decorati...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of Fine Porcelains Couple Dignitaries
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Pair of fine porcelains (couple dignitaries) circa 18th century origin Europe possible restoration in your hand (old) one of them has the letters L.G...
Category

Early 1900s European Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Joseph Charles Marin
Located in New York, NY
Cupid Holding a Bow by French Sculptor Joseph-Charles Marin (1759-1834) White Marble, signed and dated 1784 Provenance: Carl Singer, from the Estate of Charles Hitchcock Tyler, Beverly MA...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Statue of Mercury
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking French 19th century Neo-Classical st. patinated bronze and ormolu statue of Mercury, possibly by F. Barbedienne. The statue is raised on i...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Charming French Terracotta Bust on Ebonized Wood Base Depicting Young Child.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Charming French Terracotta Bust on Ebonized Wood Base Depicting Young Child. We also have other bust of various subject. Feel free to call with further questions.
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

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 Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Cast Stone

Antique Bronze “Two Putti with a Dish” Auguste Moreau (1834-1917)
Located in Westfield, MA
This stunning antique bronze sculpture, titled “Two Putti with a Dish,” is signed “Aug Moreau” and attributed to the renowned French sculptor Auguste Moreau (1834-1917). The piece ma...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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 Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

Neoclassical figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical figurative 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 figurative sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical figurative sculptures made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original figurative sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Bow Porcelain, Wedgwood, Ferdinand Barbedienne, and Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse. 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 $195 and tops out at $228,710 while the average work can sell for $4,975.

Still Thinking About These?

All Recently Viewed