Antique Sculptures

Antique sculptures can provide the perfect focal point to a room; larger sculptures ooze opulence and style, whereas a smaller sculpture can be an interesting detail to a room, with its elegance and beauty.

Antique sculptures are an ideal decorative addition to an art collection; they can perfectly complement other pieces of artwork, such as paintings and lighting. An antique sculpture comes in many forms such as: animals, including mythical animals, figurines, heads, female and male busts, gods, goddesses and gladiators.  They can be made from a variety of materials- including porcelain, bronze, brass, wood, marble, and onyx and alabaster. 

History of Sculptures

Evidence of sculptures date back to 25-30,000 BC and are some of the first evidence of human culture. The first sculptures were most likely used for religious purposes or were representative of gods. Porcelain sculptures were first made in China, but those in Europe drew inspiration and the first porcelain sculptures were made in Meissen, Germany. These sculptures are aptly named after their city of origin.

Over the years different materials/sources have been used to create sculptures. The use of ivory dates back roughly 2,000 years, whereas bronze figures were popular in Ancient Greece and brass sculptures gained in popularity during the Industrial Revolution. Over the years there have been key art movements that have influenced antique sculptures, these include Gothic, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Empire and Neo-Classical, new movements and Art Nouveau.

 
Key Sculpture Influences since the 17thC

There are particular periods of note in terms of their influence on antique sculptures, namely the Baroque, Rococo, Neo-Classical and Art Deco movements.

 
Baroque Sculptures

A continuation of the Renaissance movement, the sculptures of this period reflect the cultural movement of the Baroque period. Human figures appear to spiral towards a focal point or are often seen to be reaching out to the air. These antique sculptures are perfect in the centre of a space as they have multiple viewing angles. An important sculptor of this period is Bernini.

Rococo

The 18thC art movement originated in Paris in the early 18thC, these antique sculptures are often ornate, colourful, with use of curves and gold. They are more jovial than the works of Baroque movement; they also tend to be smaller in comparison to the grandeur of a Baroque antique sculpture. A Rococo sculpture is an ideal decorative piece of art.

Neo-Classical

The art movement began at the end of the 18thC and replaced Rococo, inspired by the classical art of ancient Rome and Greece sculptures reflected this. Notable sculptors from this period include Jean Antoine Houdon, Antonio Canova, Johann Gottfried Schadowm, and Bertal Thorvaldsen.

Art Deco Sculptures

Art Deco sculptures often see the naked figurine of the male and female form depicted, in particular the Art Deco flapper design, which is indicative of the feeling of ‘liberation’ at that time. Sculptures are often angular with straight long lines. Marble was commonly used for the base of the figurine with spelter or bronze for the figurine itself. Art Deco manufacturers of note include Cipriani, Phillipe and De Ron Court. It is important to note that post 1930’s Art Deco sculptures would be considered vintage sculptures as opposed to antique.
 
Other periods of reference include antique sculptures from the modernist period, these were often abstract representations of humans, animals and geometric shapes. Also the Art Nouveau movement, antique sculptures from this period mainly draw on inspiration from nature with asymmetrical compositions.
 
Antique Sculptures are a unique and unusual addition to a home or garden, either as a stand-alone focus or placed on a mantelpiece or shelf to add an artistic flair to your surroundings.