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Bust

A bust is a form of sculpture modelled on person’s head, neck and part of the chest and shoulders. As a portrait type, it dates back to classical Greek and Roman antiquity although it can also be found in non-European ancient cultures.

Busts come in many materials including bronze, terracotta, wood, wax and marble. In the UK, they were particularly popular in the 18th and 19th century with the best Georgian and Victorian examples of well known figures continuing to command strong interest among collectors as well as museums.


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Triton set to make a splash in Chicago

27 November 2023

The grandnephew of Parisian art and antiquities dealer Ernest Brummer (1891-1964) is parting with this second-century AD Roman marble head of a triton at Hindman in Chicago.

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Roman marble bust of Hadrian flies over estimate at US auction

27 November 2023

This Roman marble bust hammered for $47,500 (£39,100) against an estimate of $2000-3000 at Wiederseim Associates (25% buyer’s premium) in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania on October 20.

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Octavius bust crowns US architect's maiolica collection

20 November 2023

The first day of the Annual Thanksgiving Auction at Kaminski Auctions in Beverly, Massachusetts on November 25-26 is devoted to the collection of Robert ‘Bob’ Eigelberger.

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Grab an almost half Nelson

30 October 2023

Cheffins of Cambridge is offering a marble bust of Lord Nelson, after Franz Thaller (1759-1817) and Matthias Ranson (fl. c.1800).

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Old Master auction series posts best total since 2017

10 July 2023

The latest Old Master auctions in London posted the highest total for a series in this category in the capital since 2017.

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Queen Mother caught in sculpture form for the final time

01 May 2023

Dreweatts of Newbury will offer a selection of royal-related works in its Interiors sale on May 16.

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Roman bust found in Texas charity shop to return to Ludwig I’s collection in Germany after more than 70 years away

27 April 2023

A Roman bust discovered in a US charity shop and bought for just $34.99 will be repatriated to Germany.

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Nelson memorabilia busts expectations at Dorset auction

17 April 2023

Nelson memorabilia from a private collection in Devon was keenly fought over at Duke’s Spring auction.

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Getty Museum applies for export licence for Roman bust bought at London auction

14 February 2023

The Getty Museum has agreed to acquire an ancient Roman marble bust which was sold at auction in London.

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Dramatic contest for emperor’s head at Sotheby's auction

12 December 2022

A bust of Roman emperor Antoninus Pius sold for more than ten-times its low estimate at a Sotheby's sale

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Napoleonic memorabilia: Bust of Boney sold at Sotheby's among latest highlights

15 August 2022

Rediscovered sculpted portrait heads a special report covering recent lots linked to the man who became emperor, dedicated to both his triumphs and defeats

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Portrait bust provenance with Peel appeal

06 June 2022

This late 18th century portrait bust of a gentleman by a sculptor from the circle of Joseph Nollekens (1737-1823) is traditionally thought to depict the prominent British Whig statesman Charles James Fox (1749-1806).

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Colnaghi’s Renaissance showcase includes bust by Donatello

04 April 2022

Old Masters dealership Colnaghi is collaborating with Direzione regionale Musei Veneto and Venetian Heritage on an exhibition of Renaissance sculptures to coincide with the 59th Venice Biennale.

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The faces of Napoleon’s family

07 February 2022

Small bust in bronze and wax model were produced by the goldsmith to the emperor

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Cordier busts are keenly contested

10 January 2022

Pair of bronzes of north African subjects are consigned by a branch of sculptor’s family.

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San Lorenzo rises afresh

13 December 2021

A recently rediscovered life-size terracotta bust of San Lorenzo, c.1440, by early Renaissance sculptor Donatello stars at Colnaghi’s exhibition.

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Frink tribute emerges from a bungalow

04 October 2021

John Rolfe from Wotton Auction Rooms had been asked to undertake a valuation for probate in a bungalow near Salisbury when he made an intriguing discovery.

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Sisters' sampler skills on show at Mallams' auction

30 August 2021

Samplers made by siblings or generations of the same family can attract a significant commercial premium.

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Marble bust among notable items gained by Cheffins in referral from Christie’s

19 July 2021

Cheffins (24.5% buyer’s premium) in Cambridge has enjoyed some fine referrals from Christie’s in recent times.

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Regency marble busts resurface together at auction

29 March 2021

The Winter Antiques Sale at Duke’s (25% buyer’s premium) was topped by consecutive bids of £17,000 each for two Regency white marble busts.