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Sculpture Busts

Bust sculptures refer to figurative sculptures that portray the upper portion of the human figure: head, neck, shoulders, and part of the chest. Ancient Romans embraced and evolved this art form, adapting it to various points in their cultural history.

The development of Roman portraiture, including bust sculptures, was tied closely to the development of Roman society and government. In its early uses, portraiture was closely associated with funerary settings. In this context, the upper classes would often display portrait masks to memorialize their distinguished ancestry, thereby celebrating a family history of public service while honoring their family.

In the time of the Roman Republic, public sculpture became more popular. It was common for honorific statues of political or military officials to be erected in celebration of their achievements. During the reign of Augustus (27 B.C.-14 A.D.), the imperial family and their associates dominated public sculpture with official bust statues carefully designed in order to project specific ideas about Augustus and his family.


Quick Facts

  • Sculptural portrait heads from classical antiquities are sometimes displayed as busts, but these are actually often fragments from full-body statues
  • In the instance of "bad" emperors, imperial portraits were sometimes recycled or destroyed
  • The wax portrait masks of deceased ancestors that ancient Romans displayed in their homes are referred to as "imagines"

Recommended Items at Auction

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An alabaster and gilt bronze bust of a young girl, 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm.) h.
Jun 25, 9:00 AM PDT
An alabaster and gilt bronze bust of a young girl, 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm.) h.
by Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
Est: $100- $150
$1306 Bids
European 19th century stone bust, 50 x 42 x 24cm
Jun 24, 7:00 PM AEST
European 19th century stone bust, 50 x 42 x 24cm
by Lawsons
Est: AUD250- AUD350
AUD906 Bids
Leonard Baskin (American, 1922-2000) Head
Jun 25, 10:00 AM EDT
Leonard Baskin (American, 1922-2000) Head
by Freeman’s | Hindman
Est: $600- $1,000
$5505 Bids
PARIAN BUST OF HOMER ON BLACK WOODEN BASE 13 3/4" X 8 1/2" (17 3/4" ON BASE)
Jun 22, 10:30 AM EDT
PARIAN BUST OF HOMER ON BLACK WOODEN BASE 13 3/4" X 8 1/2" (17 3/4" ON BASE)
by Carlsen Gallery, Inc.
Est: $100- $300
$1255 Bids
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A large Grecian limestone bust mounted on an acrylic base. 17 x 10 3/4 x 15 in. (43.2 x 27.3 x 38.1 cm.)
Jun 25, 9:00 AM PDT
A large Grecian limestone bust mounted on an acrylic base. 17 x 10 3/4 x 15 in. (43.2 x 27.3 x 38.1 cm.)
by Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
Est: $400- $600
$3805 Bids
After Antonio Canova "Young Octavian" Busts, 2
Jun 26, 11:00 AM EDT
After Antonio Canova "Young Octavian" Busts, 2
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $300- $500
$2254 Bids
GRAND TOUR BRONZE BUST ON ROUGH MARBLE SOCLE 9" X 5"
Jun 22, 10:30 AM EDT
GRAND TOUR BRONZE BUST ON ROUGH MARBLE SOCLE 9" X 5"
by Carlsen Gallery, Inc.
Est: $100- $300
$1254 Bids
A Greek style patinated bronze head of a Riace Warrior, 20th century
Jun 25, 10:00 AM PDT
A Greek style patinated bronze head of a Riace Warrior, 20th century
by Andrew Jones Auctions
Est: $1,000- $1,500
$6002 Bids
A French white marble bust of Madame du Barry, 19th century
Jun 25, 10:00 AM PDT
A French white marble bust of Madame du Barry, 19th century
by Andrew Jones Auctions
Est: $600- $800
$3502 Bids
Bust of Dante, Johan Lint
Jun 28, 10:00 AM CEST
Bust of Dante, Johan Lint
by Hessink's
Est: €150- €200
€801 Bid
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Gennaro CHIURAZZI (1842-1906)
Jun 28, 10:00 AM CEST
Gennaro CHIURAZZI (1842-1906)
by Galerie Moenius
Est: CHF300- CHF600
CHF3001 Bid
An Italian stone head of a putto
Jun 25, 10:00 AM PDT
An Italian stone head of a putto
by Andrew Jones Auctions
Est: $400- $600
$2001 Bid
Pair of Street Pop Art Mannequin Busts
Jun 26, 11:00 AM EDT
Pair of Street Pop Art Mannequin Busts
by Akiba Galleries
Est: $50- $500
$251 Bid
Henri Jacobs
Jun 21, 11:00 AM CEST
Henri Jacobs
by Das Kunst- und Auktionshaus Kastern GmbH & Co KG
Est: €360- €550
€3601 Bid
David Bromley Bronze Nude Female Bust Sculpture
Jun 22, 10:00 AM AEST
David Bromley Bronze Nude Female Bust Sculpture
by Yarra Valley Auctions
Est: AUD0- AUD0
AUD201 Bid
Stefan Schwartz "Hercules" Patinated Bronze Bust
Jul 10, 11:00 AM EDT
Stefan Schwartz "Hercules" Patinated Bronze Bust
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $1,000- $2,000
$1001 Bid
Gaston Lachaise (American/French, 1882-1935) Head of Richard Buhlig (Portrait of Richard Buhlig) [LF 80]
Jun 24, 10:00 AM EDT
Gaston Lachaise (American/French, 1882-1935) Head of Richard Buhlig (Portrait of Richard Buhlig) [LF 80]
by Freeman’s | Hindman
Est: $800- $1,200
$4001 Bid
GARDEN STATUARY CAST STONE BUST OF CLYTIE, 27"H
Jun 20, 9:00 AM CDT
GARDEN STATUARY CAST STONE BUST OF CLYTIE, 27"H
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $100- $200
$801 Bid
Emilio Greco (Italian, 1913-1995) Head of a Man, 1947
Jun 24, 10:00 AM EDT
Emilio Greco (Italian, 1913-1995) Head of a Man, 1947
by Freeman’s | Hindman
Est: $1,000- $1,500
$5001 Bid
Elegant bust of a young woman in white and veined alabaster, signed
Jun 21, 11:00 AM CEST
Elegant bust of a young woman in white and veined alabaster, signed
by Maison Jules Veilinghuis
Est: €200- €300
€2001 Bid
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J. Kuppler, When I Grow Up, painted plaster bust on wood base, 10"H x 7 1/4"W
Jun 25, 5:00 PM EDT
J. Kuppler, When I Grow Up, painted plaster bust on wood base, 10"H x 7 1/4"W
by Ripley Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$101 Bid

Sellers Who Sell Sculpture Busts


Historia Auctionata

Historia Auctionata

Maison Jules Veilinghuis

Maison Jules Veilinghuis

Adam Partridge Auctioneers

Adam Partridge Auctioneers

Venduehuis der Notarissen

Venduehuis der Notarissen