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Neoclassical Animal 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.

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Style: Neoclassical
Large Heavy Rectangular Carved Marble Relief of the Agnus Dei 'Lamb of God'
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a large heavy rectangular shaped carved marble relief of the Agnus Dei. It depicts a lamb with curly hair seated over a Bible and bearing ...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Pair of Sleeping Lion Sculptures by Canova, Faux Marble Lacquered Wood from 1790
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of sculptures depicting sleeping lions. The model is an invention of Canova. Legend says that in 1767 Canova at the age of 10 made a lion with but...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

19th Century Boston Terrier Black Painted Door Stop, Hubley
Located in Berlin, DE
19th century Boston Terrier door stop, cast iron with original black paint. Beautiful patina.  
Category

1890s North American Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Hunter and Deer Sculpture
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hunter and deer sculpture materials pewter electro plated and marble Origin Germany, circa 1900 perfect condition.
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Pewter

Horse Weathervane with Gilt Surface on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A trotting horse weathervane likely modeled after "Ethan Allen" with its original mount and displayed on a custom stand in a slightly upslope manner. The horse with full molded coppe...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Running Horse Weathervane on Display Stand
By L. W. Cushing & Sons
Located in Atlanta, GA
A weathervane in the form of a running horse, that was likely modeled after "Dexter" circa late 19th century on a custom display stand. The full body molded horse has a gilt surface ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Pair of Silvered Bronze Herons, Attributed to Maison Bagués, circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and decorative pair of herons is made of silvered bronze. This is a French work, in the style of the famous Maison Bagués, circa 1940.
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Monumental Antique Roman Bronze Works Gilt American Bald Eagle Sculpture Statue
Located in Dayton, OH
Museum quality antique solid bronze 70lb sculpture by Roman Bronze Works of an eagle seated on the base with wings outstretched. Roman Bronze Works, now o...
Category

Early 20th Century Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Early 19th Century Italian Giltwood Eagle Wall Brackets
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of early carved and giltwood Italian eagle wall brackets. Realistically carved wooden eagles with original bracket shelves. Mostly original gi...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Giltwood

Contemporary Ram's Head Bronze Sculpture Lost Wax Casting Technique Green Patina
Located in Firenze, IT
This contemporary solid bronze sculpture of a ram's head is inspired by the art of Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece with a reference to neoclassicism. The artist is able to attribute ...
Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Cast Bronze Lions, Italy, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of cast bronze lions, France, late 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Creamware Lions 18th Century
Located in Katonah, NY
We are thrilled to offer this exceptional pair of creamware lions, each elegantly resting on a tall base adorned with sumptuous swags of dark blue "curtains" with gleaming yellow tassels and trim. Crafted in France, these figures are unparalleled and truly a masterpiece of 18th-century creamware. They date back to the late 18th century, circa 1790. Each lion's head and mane is exquisitely painted with vibrant yellow and lined in striking midnight brown. Their mouths are painted in delicate pink, adding an extra touch of charm. Not only are these lions a sight to behold, but they will also bring a touch of humor to your home. Their jovial expressions make it impossible not to laugh along with them. Leisurely resting on cushions draped with rich fabric and tassels, these friendly lions exude a very French attitude, seamlessly blending formality and friendliness. Placed on a mantel, they would undoubtedly be the focal point of any room, commanding attention, and admiration from all who see them. These lions are genuinely a one-of-a-kind treasure that is not to be missed. Dimensions: 6.5 inches tall x 6.75 inches long x 4.5 inches wide Condition: Excellent Price: $3200 Background of creamware Creamware is the name given to a type of earthenware pottery initially made from white clays from Dorset and Devonshire combined with an amount of calcined flint. Creamware was first produced in England sometime before 1740. Foremost of the pioneers of creamware in the Staffordshire Potteries was Thomas Whieldon. The young Josiah Wedgwood partnered with Thomas Whieldon from 1754-1759. When Wedgwood left to set up his own business, he immediately directed his efforts to developing creamware. Around the same time, in the mid-18th century, French potters developed their creamware known in France as "Faience Fine...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Creamware

Carrara Marble Sculpture "Ariadne on the Panther" Signed A. Frilli, Firenze
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Carrara marble sculpture "Ariadne on the Panther" signed A. Frilli, Firenze, Italy, circa 1890. Dimensions green marble pedestal: 114 cm.
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Carrara Marble

Mottahedeh White Glazed Majolica Recumbent Lion Figure after Kaendler
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This large majolica lion figurine was made by Porcelain de Cuernavaca for the Mottahedeh company, known for their ceramic antique reproductions and his...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Bronze Sculpture with Marble Base, Signed Comolera, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Bronze sculpture with marble base. Signed Comolera. France, late 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Silver Patinated Bronze Borzoi
Located in Miami, FL
A 19th century French silver patinated bronze borzoi on a cream marble base. A beautiful depiction of this sleek handsome dog. In very good condition wit...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Terracotta Lion's Head on Custom Iron Stand
Located in Pembroke, MA
This French terracotta lion's mask was originally an element of a 19th century fountain with water jetting from its mouth. This garden piece is now mounted on a custom iron, making i...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Golden Pheasant Polychrome Bronze Vienna, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Golden pheasant polychrome bronze Vienna, 19th century Polychrome bronze figure showing a golden male pheasant perched. A bird native to Asia, it was ...
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Italian Griffon Majolica Terracotta Pedestals on Plinths. Circa 1850
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Griffon Majolica terracotta pedestals with flanking circular floral tops and resting on molded step back plinths. Mid 19th century.
Category

1850s Italian Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of Outdoor Italian Neo-Classic Iron Wall Plaques
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Outdoor Italian Neo-classic style iron wall mounted plaques possibly fountains in the form of a dolphin (PRICED AS Pair).
Category

1870s Italian Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Large 19th Century Parker American Carousel Horse
Located in Dallas, TX
Carousel Horse (American, 19th C) Wood carved with traces of paint with stand. An amazing decorative statement; this charming wood carved carousel horse shows character with traces of its original paint and jointed construction. The glass eye balls and facial features is a focal point from tail to hoof. Probably coming originally from a Long Island New York fair carousel ride, this bold yet soft piece draws eyes and complimentary statements as soon as guests see it. Comes with decorative wood stand! Attributed to Parker carousel horses...
Category

1890s American Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Neo-Classic Bronze Centaur
Located in New York, NY
Italian Neo-classic style (20th Cent) bronze bearded figure of a Centaur having both hands tied behind his back with a dark patina. (similar to BAS011)
Category

20th Century Italian Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

American School Bronze Prancing Horse, Titled "Empty Saddle", circa 1900
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
American school bronze prancing horse, titled "Empty Saddle", circa 1900, hollow cast bronze, mounted on a carved polychrome wood base. Unmarked, Small statue of a prancing horse, da...
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Russian Ormolu and Baccarat Cut Crystal Swan Centerpieces
Located in Essex, MA
Magnificent pair of Russian Ormolu and Baccarat crystal centerpieces. The removable Baccarat Tazzas with engraved in deeply cut laurel wreath motif sit atop an ormolu sculpture of th...
Category

Late 19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Italian 19th Century Life Size Marble Group "Hebe and Eagle" by Aristide Fontana
By Aristide Fontana 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine Italian 19th century Carrara marble life-size marble sculpture of "Hebe and The Eagle"; depicting a young maiden seated on a rocky outcrop holding an urn over her shoulder and serving water from a bowl to a thirsty eagle, raised on a circular base by Aristide Fontana (Italian 19th Century - Active 1870-1890), Carrara, Inscribed to the reverse; "Aristide Fontana Sc./Carrara", circa 1870-1880. Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth, was the daughter of Zeus and Hera and was the hand-maiden and cup bearer of the gods and the symbol of youthful beauty and chastity. She is often depicted as a temptress tantalizing the eagle of Jupiter with a cup of ambrosia and her body. In her role as cup-bearer she offered nectar and ambrosia and here she holds the cup before the eagle, Zeus' messenger. This sculpture subject matter resembles Bertel Thorwaldsen's, marble sculpture of Ganymede and the Eagle, circa 1817 and currently at the Chrysler Museum, Norfolk, VA. The most notable difference between both sculptures is that, unlike in Thorwaldsen's work, this sculpture depicts a figure of a young semi-nude maiden bearing a pearl necklace centered with a charm engraved with the letter "S". This sculpture subject matter can also be attributed to Psyche, perched on a Stygian rock and threatened by dragons, is rescued from her task by Jupiter's eagle, who brings her a lekythos filled with the river's water. Although Apuleius' story of Cupid and Psyche had been a common theme in European art since the Renaissance, the particular incident of Psyche rescued by Jupiter's eagle was seldom illustrated. Comparable to themes in mythology, Old Testament figures and heroines in particular were popular subjects of artworks in the mid-19th century. Several scenes from the Biblical (Gen. 24) story of Rebecca's meeting with Eliezer, and subsequent marriage to Isaac, were depicted in the 19th century. The most frequent representation shows Rebecca at the well with a pitcher. Other examples of the subject include those by the Italians Cesare Lapini, Giovanni Battista Lombardi and Domenico Menconi and American sculptors Brown, Mozier, and Chauncey Bradley Ives...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Carrara Marble

Neo-Classic Bronze Centaur
Located in New York, NY
Italian Neo-classic style (20th Cent) bronze figure of a Centaur with raised hand and holding a staff with a dark brown patina (similar to BAS012)
Category

20th Century Italian Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Silvered Bronze Models of the Marly Horses After Guillaume Coustou
Located in London, GB
This pair of silvered bronze models show semi-clad classical male attendants restraining their rearing horses. They are modeled after the 1739 sculptures in marble by Guillaume Coust...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

1950 Pair of Statuary White Marble Sphinxes
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of winged sphinxes, heads of monkeys, bodies of female dragons, adorned with a wreath of flowers, white statuary marble, condition of use, old restorations, circa 1950, weight o...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Pair of Antique Bronze Figures of Cherubs and Animals
Located in London, GB
Full of humour and narrative detail, this joyous set of two figural sculptures are charmingly cast in bronze to depict young boys playing with animals. One of the figures shows a boy in draped...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of Lions. Bow Porcelain C1750
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
An attractive pair of lions, in the white; possibly based on a Chinese original.
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Bronze hunting dog and hare sculpture
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Bronze hunting dog and hare sculpture Circa 1900 Origin France Artist: Paul Edouard Delabriere Signed on its base E. Delabrierre Very good condition with natural wear on its patina b...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of C19th Carved Medici Lions
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
C19th pair medici lions in carved wood, at opposing stances with heads turned to sinister and dexter, with one paw on a ball. Circa 1830. 30 3/4" wide x 9.5" deep x 21.05" high
Category

1820s Italian Antique Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Materials

Pine

Wrought Iron and Brass Life-sized Baby Giraffe
Located in Stamford, CT
Wrought iron and brass life-sized baby giraffe. Finely detailed and simply adorable is this over four foot tall baby giraffe.
Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Animal Sculptures

Neoclassical animal sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical animal 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 animal sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical animal sculptures made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original animal sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Chesterfield, Alfred Barye, Antonio Frilli, and Aristide Fontana. 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 animal sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $125 and tops out at $127,500 while the average work can sell for $3,600.

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