Neoclassical Busts

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.

This finely executed bust of a Naiad is attributed to the neoclassical sculptor John Gibson (1790 – 1866). A Naiad was a type of mythological water nymph and is depicted here with her head bowed and cocked slightly to the side, displaying her strong neo-Hellenistic profile. In her hair, the nymph wears a headdress that is comprised of long and slender reed leaves, which not only identifies her iconographically as a water spirit, but draws a close comparison with those worn by the female figures in John Gibson’s Hylas Surprised by the Naiades (1827 - 1837) (fig.1). The downwards and off-centre orientation of our Naiad bust mirrors that of the taller figure on the left of the group, who rests her cheek on the head young Hylas (fig.2) Her facial physiognomy follows the neo-Hellenistic archetype established by Gibson and can be closely compared with his Tinted Venus – one of the most important statues of the Victorian era (1851–56, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool) (fig.3). While Gibson’s Tinted Venus is known best for its controversial polychrome ‘tinting’, the essential structure of the face—broad brow, finely drawn nose, wide (and slightly drooping) almond-shaped eyes - provided a template that Gibson returned to repeatedly in his depiction of mythological maidens. Critics of the time noted the consistency of his female types, with some seeing their idealised severity as an antidote to the sentimentality of much mid-Victorian sculpture (fig.4 – 6). The facial physiognomy is also very similar to a drawing by Gibson at the Royal Academy that depicts Hero weeping over the dead body of Leander (fig.7). The socle style of the present work also finds comparisons with Gibsons busts of Cupid and Aurora. This was of course somewhat standardised, but it is interesting to note the extent of their similarity with our bust. John Gibson RA is considered by many to be the greatest British sculptor of the nineteenth century working in the Neoclassical style. It is hard to overestimate the impact Rome had on the life and art of the artist. He first arrived in the city around 1817, when he was just twenty-six, and remained a resident there until his death. Not only did Rome’s ancient sculptural treasures and architectural fragments offer Gibson a lifetime of inspiration, but the Grand Tourists who poured into Rome in the first half of the nineteenth century provided him with many commercial opportunities. These rich or aristocratic travellers sought out mythological sculptures for their grand, palatial residences. However, since the papal decrees of Doria Pamphilj and Pacca of 1803 banned the export of ancient Greek and Roman works of art from Rome, there was a large demand for modern idealised sculpture in the Neoclassical style (Frasca-Rath 2016, p. 10). During his early days in the city he had the great fortune to train under both Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen (Roscoe and Hardy 2009, p. 522). He referred continuously to Canova as his “master”, particularly in his memoirs, which he dictated to Margarete Sandbach at the beginning of the 1850s; these were subsequently published by Lady Eastlake in 1870. Moreover, he claimed to be Canova’s last pupil in a letter to Antonio Gacini, Secretary of the Royal Academy in Milan in 1861, written to thank the Academy for accepting him as an Honorary Member: “The first instruction which I received in my art was from an Italian. It was Canova whose pupil I became in the year 1817 and studied under him for five years when he died. I was his last pupil” (Royal Academy Archive GI/1376). By 1821, Gibson had established his own studio in the via Fontanella, off the via Babuino. From here he aimed to produce sculpture of “the sublime and the purest beauty”, believing that the sculptor’s role was to select and combine the most beautiful parts of nature to create a harmonious whole, which would delight and elevate the viewer. By the mid nineteenth century he was one of the few remaining exponents of the so-called ‘pure’ and ‘neo Hellenistic’ style of sculpture, resolutely upholding the Neoclassical ideals established by Wincklemann, in a period when naturalism and modern subjects preoccupied the majority of artists in Europe (Turner, ed., 1996, p. 598). Gibson was convinced of the importance of disseminating artistic ideas through the younger generations, an ideal no doubt impressed upon him by Canova, and established ‘the British Academy of Arts in Rome’. His students included William Theed (1804–1891), Benjamin Spence (1822–1866), Harriet Hosmer...

Solid Cast Stone bust of male figure. Signed on the side. Flat base can sit on mantle, pedestal or table. See images for condition.

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...

Italian Neo-classic style (20th Cent) resin life size bust of a curly haired Greek or Roman youth raised on a round plinth.

2 Italian neo-classic style glazed terra-cotta busts of ladies emblematic of two of the four seasons (19th/early 20th Cent) (priced each).     

A 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Verdigris Bronze Bust of 14th Century Italian Poet Dante Alighieri on Marble Plinth. Measures 18" in width, 7.5" in depth and 13" in height.

A Pair of 19th Century Italian Hand-Carved and Hand-Polished Carrara Marble Models of Children Reading and Writing, Signed A. Piazza, After Antonio Canova. Antonio Canova (1757–1822...

Infuse your study or library with a sense of historical gravitas through this exquisite vintage carved marble bust of Abraham Lincoln. Rendered in snowy white stone with a smooth, ho...

A mid 19th century plaster portrait bust of 3rd century BC Roman general and politician, Marcus Claudius Marcellus (270-208 BC), ex. Holkham Hall, Norfolk. Inscribed to the front of ...

A striking and evocative vintage cast stone sculpture of a horse’s head, executed in the Neoclassical style. This expressive bust captures the noble spirit of the equine form, featur...

An Ormolu bust of a 16th century Prince, by Rancoulet French, Late 19th Century Height 72cm, width 42cm, depth 22cm Made by the skilled and renowned French artist and sculptor Ernest Rancoulet, (French, 1870-1915), this excellent gilt-bronze bust was made in the late nineteenth century, in fine neoclassical style. Rancoulet was best known for mythological scenes and figures, and depictions of athletes. He was also known for depictions of members of high society, often aristocratic women, exhibiting for a number of years at the Paris Salon, producing many exceptional likenesses, busts, and figurines, such as this. In this work, the sitter, envisioned as a 16th century Prince or nobleman of sorts, towards out and towards the left. He wears a plumed hat and a high collared cape, with a typical period frilled ruff. His tunic is elaborately decorated with jewellery. A portrait full of character and vitality, this work is an excellent representation of Rancoulet's work, and of French Neoclassical sculpture...

Marble sculpture (bust of a child) F. Gerth Origin Italy, Rome circa 1900 perfect condition without restorations Artist: F. Gerth.

Evoke the classical grandeur of ancient Rome with this striking vintage bust of the Emperor Septimus Severus. Inspired by the tradition of the Grand Tour, this piece captures the int...

A carved architectural marble fragment depicting a boars head, reclaimed from Pentney Abbey, Norfolk. Dating to circa 1680, this freestanding animal sculpture displays a striking st...

Bust of Diana the Huntress French Louis XVI Bronze 19th Century - Artist Houdon Bronze sculpture representing Diana the huntress after Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828). In Roman myth...

A Marble Ecorche (from the French word meaning to peal). An anatomical representation of mans muscle and bone structure. 19th century Italian marble bust.

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 ...

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...

Period: New Condition: Good. Wear consists with age and use

Carrara marble sculpture "Schiava" attributed to Giacomo Ginotti (1845-1897). Italy, late 19th Century.

A mid-late 19th century antique plaster bust of Venus, Roman goddess of love and beauty, or her Greek counterpart, Aphrodite. This bust is signed ...

Great Thorwaldsen bust. Marble figure of the sculptor Thorwaldsen Extremely expressive characterization, which, in an extraordinary detail, also reflects the facial expressions of hi...

19th Century Italian Marble bust of the Classical Greek philosopher Socrates. His draped robe is hand-carved in red Scagliola with the face modelled in contrasting white Carrara marb...

A wonderful and richly detailed French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Bronze, Silvered Bronze, Ormolu and marble bust of Napoleon, signed by Émile Pinedo. This handsome bust is raise...

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...

This Greek bust depicts the legendary poet and author Homer who is presumed to have penned the two of ancient Greece’s most epic poems: the Iliad and the Odyssey. Scholars are uncertain whether or not Homer actually existed but if he in fact did exist, Homer would be regarded as one of the greatest literary artists of his time. This is an iconic statue for an interior and looks particularly impactful when placed on a column or plinth. Please note the blue plinth...

French bronze bust of a woman after Jean-Antoine Houdon French, late 19th Century Height 60cm, width 26cm, depth 22cm This superb patinated bro...

Louis XIV, known as Louis the Great or Le Roi Soleil (Sun King) was a monarch who reigned as king of France from 1643 until his death in 1715. His reign of 72...

Cast in finely textured plâtre (plaster) with the soft, porous surface of quarried stone, this mid-century French bust captures the serene idealism of a 4th-century BC Greek original...

This plaster bust depicts a woman in the classical manner, her hair drawn back beneath a wrapped fillet into a high coiled chignon. She is draped in a mantle that crosses diagonally ...

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...

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...

Found in England, this plaster composite bust of William Shakespeare dates from the 1970s. Built in pedestal display stand. Unknown maker. Very good vintage condition with minor scat...

Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (French 1827-1975) L'Espiegle "The Mischief Maker" Patinated Verdigris Bronze Bust of Anna Foucart smiling. Measures 10" wide , 10" deep and 19.5" tall. Bor...

An incredibly rare pair of 1859 plaster portrait plaques by Henry Dmochowski Saunders (1810-1863) of William Brown Hodgson (1801-1871) and wife Margaret (Telfair) Hodgson (1797-1874)...

19th Century (Mid) Terra Cotta Bust Bacchus. Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.

Set of Four Bronze Female Allegorical Busts on Marble Plinths. This is an elegant set of four bronze female neoclassical busts. each bust portrays a youthful woman adorned with indiv...

This charming sculpture of a young woman is the work of the accomplished Italian-born sculptor, Affortunato Gory (1895-1925). Gory is best-known for his sculptures of women and child...

A handsome and finely detailed Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. black Belgian marble, Ormolu, and patinated Bronze statue of Ajax the Great. This wonderful bust of Ajax the Gre...

She’s certainly no beauty, possibly in her 30s, but there’s a strength and clarity about this woman. She does her long hair into a complex chignon, a practical style in those years p...

JOSEPH MOZIER United States, 1812-1870 Bust of a Classical Young Woman (1851) Carved Cararra marble Signed to the reverse "J. MOZIER, Sc: ROME 1851" Item # 406QSO30A A stunningl...

Late 18th Century Pair Porcelain Busts depicting the Greek figures Homer and Artemis, both featuring firing marks. The bust of Homer is based on a much-restored Roman copy of a Hell...

Pair of very decorative French 19th Century Apollo and Diana Bronze Busts or Neoclassical Clad Busts. Mounted on black marble square shaped bases these b...

Bust of Child Sculptures- A Pair. Unknown signature on the back. Boy sculpture measures 9.25 H X 8 W X 4.63 D Girl Sculpture Measures 9.25 H X 7.75 W X ...

A masterful large classical statue in cast bronze of a beautiful young woman in stride wearing a flowing ionic chiton. The exquisite casting of ...

This charming vintage cast bronze bust captures the timeless innocence and softness of childhood through classical sculptural form. Depicting a young child with gently downcast eyes ...

Richly textured and colored in a bold verdigris hue, these resin casts are replicas of now iconic Ancient Roman Flavian marble busts. The pair are made of resin and painted to resemb...

19th century Marble Bust Of A Young Girl in a graceful pose. The bust embodies the neoclassical ideals of the era, capturing the both youthful beautiful and refined elegance. The sol...

A Jo Mead plaster lion's head painted sculpture mounted on a custom acrylic stand. Jo Mead (American, 1919-2000) found in an important lake forest, Illino...

This large French cherub or cupid statue from the 1800’s is made from plaster that has been tinted to mimic the natural color of terra cotta. The figure ...

Porcelain biscuit bust of Brutus, (Marcus Junius Brutus, son of Emperor Cesar), set on its deep blue porcelain base enhanced with fine gold line...

Intriguing bust of a young man made of rustic unglazed terra-cotta great eyes expression, looking forward. Beautiful object of art for display.

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...

Italian neoclassical Alabaster portrait bust of a gentleman, by Insom Fece, 1839 Finely detailed portrait bust of young man with wavy hair. Inscribed signature on back right shoulde...

cast in white bisque porcelain by the Sevres company and depicting Alexandre Brongiart as a boy, after sculptor Jean Antoine Houdon, the original having been sculpted in the late 18t...

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...

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"

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...

Dimensions - H: 32 in W: 16 1/2 in D: 10 in This stunning Antique Italian Neoclassical Style Marble Sculpture beautifully captures the timeless elegance and grace of classical art....