1910s Architectural Elements

Found in a chateau in Loriol du Comtat, in the Provence region of France, this large-scale plaster sculpture is signed and dated by the artist, making it a rare find. Originally part of a boiserie containing a fireplace, the sculpture decorated the main hall of the chateau. The artist, Marius Sain, created the piece for the owners of the chateau in 1914. The lovely depiction of a shepherdess and her flock is a fitting subject for an area of France in which shepherding is such an important part of the culture. The preserved heritage of transhumance in Provence goes back at least 800 years, as evidenced by collections of ancient songs, stories, and art. Life-size in scale, the lovely sculpture features a mix of high-, mid-, and low-relief embellishments. A hooded shepherdess tends to her flock of sheep with a crook in hand. A dog sits calmly at her feet as the flock gathers in front of them. Both the shepherdess and the dog are in high relief, as is the lead sheep. The lamb seen suckling from the front sheep was crafted in mid relief, as is the visible head on the far right of the sculpture. There are a few sheep behind them in low relief. Large trees can be seen on either side of the group, while off in the background (faintly visible) are a castle with four fastigiate Mediterranean cypress trees (known as Stricta) and a spired church. The attention to detail is magnificent, with textured surfaces including the animals’ fur and the uneven ground. Block print on the plaster can be seen at the base. The letters read Le Soir, which is French for “The Night”. The right side of the sculpture has been signed “M Sain 1914”. Marius Joseph Sain was born in 1877 in Avignon, France. In 1902, Sain moved to Paris to study at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. Through introductions by his older brother and painter, Paul...

This extraordinary Régence-style woodwork was designed by René Gaillard and Aimé Octobre, and is dated 1919. It comes from a room that would have measured...

Art Nouveau push and pull door handles in the shape of two water nymphs, originally from spa in the Alps. Original large handles express the water nymphs carrying water jugs on their...

These stunning angel sculptures are sold as a pair. They were originally placed on an church altar, with one facing left and the other facing right. With their detailed facial features and sweeping wings, they are truly captivating works of art. They were designed by Daprato Statuary Company in the 1910’s. Daprato Statuary Company was founded in 1860 in Chicago by four brothers, who were statue-makers from Barga, Italy. By the 1890’s, the company had grown to be a worldwide ecclesiastical art...

This is a amazing and unique set of 511 antique French handmade ceramic tiles. Manufactured by Devres, circa 1910s. Stylized design. Each patte...

3-754 French hand carved wood architectural element.

Large antique, Industrial factory wooden foundry form mold, wheel, cog, gear, very unusual and rare size measuring 52" in diameter, retains original facto...

These unusual stations of the Cross are possible De Prado Studios. The panels are in good condition with some minor losses. The vibrant colors ar...

These unusual Stations of the Cross are possible De Prado Studios. The panels are in good condition with some minor losses. The vibrant colors ar...

Circa 1920 Pair 1920’s painted fluted pine pillars Measure: H195 x 18.5 cm Diameter bottom 15.5 cm Diameter top.