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Biedermeier 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
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Biedermeier Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Biedermeier Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Biedermeier Sculptures

Materials

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...
Category

Mid-19th Century Central American Antique Biedermeier Sculptures

Materials

Carrara Marble

Antique Siber 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...
Category

1840s German Antique Biedermeier Sculptures

Materials

Silver

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 underside: A. Auguste Schweinb...
Category

1830s Antique Biedermeier Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

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Antique Carrara Marble Portrait Bust by Auguste Moreau, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is beautiful antique French marble shoulder length bust of a beautiful maiden, signed Auguste Moreau, circa 1890 in date. The face and body has been sensitively modelled in Carrara marble with her head tilted to the right, her loose hair falling on her bare shoulders. There is no mistaking its unique design and superb quality, which is certain to attract attention and make it a talking point in any room of your home. Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 53 x Width 33 x Depth 23 Dimensions in inches: Height 20.9 x Width 13.0 x Depth 9.1 Louis Auguste Moreau, 1855-1919, was a French sculptor best known for his bronze-cast figurines. His allegorical Art Nouveau works often depicted women, children, cherubs, and historical figures adorned with floral motifs and ornaments, and were influential to other artists working at the time. Born in Dijon, France in 1855 to a celebrated family of sculptors, including his father Auguste Moreau, he went on to regularly exhibit his work at the Paris Salon from 1861 on. The artist died in 1919 in France. Carrara marble - is a type of white or blue-grey marble popular for use in sculpture and building decor. It is quarried at the city of Carrara in the province of Massa-Carrara (Tuscany, Italy). Carrara marble has been used since the time of Ancient Rome; the Pantheon and Trajan's Column in Rome are constructed of it. Many sculptures of the Renaissance, such as Michelangelo's David, were carved from Carrara marble. For Michelangelo at least, Carrara marble was valued above all other stone, except perhaps that of his own quarry in Pietrasanta. The Marble Arch in London and the Duomo di Siena are also made from this stone, as are the interiors of Manila Cathedral, the cold-white marbles of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the campus of Harvard Medical...
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19th Century Italian Terracotta Bust of a Classical Male
Located in Houston, TX
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Early Meissen Porcelain, Singerie Style Monkey Musician Figurine
Located in New York, NY
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Meissen Porcelain Cubist French Horn Musician Figurine by Peter Strang
Located in Philadelphia, PA
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Structurist Wall Relief by Roan Barrion
Located in Winnipeg, MB
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Structurist Wall Relief by Roan Barrion
Structurist Wall Relief by Roan Barrion
H 14.5 in W 24 in D 0.75 in
Roman Portrait Bust of a Noble Woman
Located in London, GB
Roman miniature bust of a noble woman, carved marble, Severan Dynasty, c. 225 A.D. Rare and particularly elegant ‘wig portrait’ of a noble woman, belonging to the early 3rd Century - a style distinctive of Severan Dynasty female portrait busts, in which part of the head has been chiselled away to allow for the addition of a separate hairpiece, in many cases from a darker material, in order to create an almost painterly effect, in the interplay of different coloured stones. The degree of naturalism and emotional depth achieved in a piece of such a small scale implies a sculptor of great talent. The subtle parting of the lips, in combination with her upturned, vacant gaze and tired eyes, conveys a pensive mood, and even a quiet melancholy. A woman strolls the town in thick wigs bought with gold, Then buys new hair to complement the old. And having bought, she doesn’t blush! Right there she buys, Before Alcides’ and the Muses’ eyes. (Ovid, Ars Amatoria, III, 161-168) The fashion of wig-wearing in this period, as well as its emulation in the wig portrait bust, is widely attributed to Julia Domna...
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19th Century Meissen Model of a Slipper
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Meissen Model of a Slipper Delve into the high Victorian era with this enchanting 19th century Meissen model of a slipper. Crafted by the illustrious Meissen Porcelain, this artifact embodies the elegance of its time with intricate designs and detailed hand painting. The porcelain slipper...
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19th C Meissen Porcelain Allegorical Group of Three Putti with Musical Motifs
Located in New York, NY
A Beautiful 19th century Meissen Porcelain allegorical grouping of three putti with musical Motifs. One putti is seen with a trumpet in his hand, the other putti is seen playing a ly...
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Art Deco Herend Porcelain Figurine, Cleopatra with Snake, Mid-20th Century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Art Deco Herend porcelain figurine. Cleopatra with snake. Mid-20th century. Measures: 25 x 13 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped. 1st factory quality.
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Meissen Porcelain Bird Model
Located in London, GB
A Meissen porcelain bird model German, late 19th century Measures: height 15cm, width 15cm, depth 9cm This elegant miniature, of a ptarmigan or sim...
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Meissen Porcelain Bird Model
Meissen Porcelain Bird Model
H 5.91 in W 5.91 in D 3.55 in
Previously Available Items
Meissen Group 'Harlekin & Columbine', Russian Ballet 'Carnival', Scheurich, 20th
Located in Vienna, AT
Finest Meissen Porcelain Group: Dancing couple depicting the figures of Harlequin and Columbine: Dancer balancing on tiptoes in elaborate crinoline dress with low neckline, artfully ...
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Mid-20th Century German Biedermeier Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Extra Large & Amazingly Detailed Blacksmith Sculpture by Wilhelm Albermann 1880s
By Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Albermann
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautifully patinated and largest available, famous 19th century sculpture of a blacksmith. If you are looking for a truly beautiful antique sculpture of a cool and strong blacksmith then this famous specimen called '' the blacksmith of Solingen " could be gracing your home or forge soon. Famous German born sculptor Wilhelm Albermann (1835-1913) has made many amazing sculptures, but this blacksmith has become the most famous. We believe it is because this blacksmith is like the archetype of a 'real man', standing strong and aware of his skills. Many (bronze) casts and reproductions have been made, but most of them were relatively small. This particular specimen is not only incredibly detailed and amazingly patinated, it also is the largest one available in the world today and therefor too an amazing eye catcher. Just look at the photos and even if you know only a little bit about antique sculptures then you will immediately see the undeniable quality and beauty in the details and in the coloring or patina. We believe it is one of the earliest 'Schmied von Solingen' sculptures made, because on this piece Cologne is still spelled in the 19th century manner and the technique with which this rare size sculpture was made, we have not seen with 20th century sculptures. In two of our images you can see the base and it is there that you can see that this sculpture was cast with a type of alloy that we have not seen before and to make it extra strong and durable it was filled with a kind of cement or plaster. The reason why we have priced this large and impressive 19th century gem at only 4800 euro, is because the bayonet that this 'Schmied' was forging at some point in time has broken off (and disappeared). When this amazing smith is standing on the floor (like it was in the home where we purchased it) then you somehow feel the urge to rub his head. We had the same thing and that is probably why over the many decades the patina on top of his head has worn off a bit. Even with these imperfections, we believe you will never find a larger or more realistic, antique blacksmith...
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19th Century French Antique Biedermeier Sculptures

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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 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
Early 19th Century Biedermeier White Marble Bust of a Boy, Around 1820
Located in Berlin, DE
A unique piece which is a great eye-catcher for your antique, modern, Space Age or mid-century interior. All pieces are looked after in our own restoration workshop. We also can do ...
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1820s German Antique Biedermeier Sculptures

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Marble

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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1920s German Vintage Biedermeier Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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...
Category

1920s German Vintage Biedermeier Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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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1920s German Vintage Biedermeier Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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 ...
Category

1920s German Vintage Biedermeier Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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...
Category

1920s German Vintage Biedermeier Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Beautiful Mary Joseph Jesus Porcelain Figures Antique, German, 1860s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful porcelain statues or figures handmade in Germany, circa 1860s. A beautiful piece for any room. Measurements given for the Jesus statue. Statues are in the as found conditio...
Category

1860s German Antique Biedermeier Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Bird Bath in Solid Marble
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
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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1820s German Antique Biedermeier Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Biedermeier sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Biedermeier 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 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 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 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 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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