WE FIRST wrote about decorating with busts at our Weekly Newsletter after coming across the image of the bathroom (below) and loved the way the bust was displayed. This discovery lead to learning about the history of displaying busts in homes, which led us on a fascinating journey through art, culture, and social status spanning several centuries.
In ancient Greece and Rome, busts were initially used as commemorative sculptures to honour important political figures, philosophers, and military leaders. These early busts were typically made of marble or bronze and were displayed in public spaces, temples, and wealthy households as symbols of cultural and intellectual prestige.
During the Renaissance, the practice of creating and displaying busts became more sophisticated. Wealthy Italian families and European nobility began collecting busts as a way to showcase their education, refinement, and connection to classical culture. Artists like Bernini elevated bust-making to an extraordinary art form, creating incredibly detailed and expressive sculptures that captured not just physical likeness but also the subject’s inner character.
The 18th and 19th centuries saw busts evolve from artistic curiosities to essential elements of interior decoration, particularly among the upper classes. In European and American homes, busts of historical figures, philosophers, composers, and family ancestors were commonly displayed in libraries, studies, and formal reception rooms. These sculpted portraits were more than mere adornments; they became powerful symbols of cultural refinement, intellectual achievement, and social standing.
During the Victorian era, bust collecting reached its peak. Wealthy families displayed busts of famous writers, scientists, political leaders, and sometimes their own ancestors, in an effort to reflect both their intellectual pursuits and their status. These sculptures were not simply decorative; they served as conversation pieces, embodying the homeowner’s knowledge, taste, and social aspirations.
In the 20th century, the popularity of busts declined with changing interior design trends. Classical sculptures, with their intricate detail and traditional forms, were often seen as too ornate and out of step with the clean lines and simplicity of modern interiors. Yet, despite this decline, busts never fully disappeared from design. Periodic revivals have kept them alive in contemporary interiors, where they continue to evoke a sense of history and culture.
Today, busts are appreciated both as historical artefacts and as design elements. Contemporary designers and homeowners might display busts ironically, eclectically, or out of genuine appreciation for classical sculpture. They can be found in modern homes as vintage finds, art pieces, or 3D-printed contemporary interpretations. Materials have also evolved. While marble and bronze remain prestigious, busts are now created using materials such as plaster, resin, ceramic, and even digital rendering technologies.
The enduring appeal of busts lies in their power to capture the essence of humanity—freezing a fleeting moment, a distinctive personality, or a timeless ideal in three-dimensional form, inviting both conversation and contemplation.
