Fountains

Beautiful marble fountain or birdbath of a cloaked figure pouring water. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)

Sea monster Carrara marble mouth fountain Italy, late 16th century It measures 13.8 x 31.5 x 18.9 in (35 x 80 x 48 cm) State of conservation: some small evident gaps and widespread signs of wear due to outdoor exposure. The gray marks crossing it do not come from restoration, but are rather the natural veins of the marble. This work has some morphological characteristics typically associated with the iconography of the sea monster: an elongated muzzle, sharp teeth, protruding eyes, elongated ears, and a coiled serpent's tail. An in-depth series of studies on artistic depictions of the sea monster attempted to verify how this symbol evolved in antiquity in the European and Mediterranean contexts and how it gradually changed its image and function over time. The iconography itself is mutable and imaginative and its history is rich with cultural and artistic exchange, as well as the overlapping of ideas. This occurred so much that it is difficult to accurately pinpoint the "types" that satisfactorily represent its various developments. However, we can try to summarize the main figures, starting from the biblical Leviathan and the marine creature that swallowed Jonah (in the Christian version, this figure was to become a whale or a "big fish", the “ketos mega”, translation of the Hebrew “dag gadol”). Other specimens ranged from the dragons mentioned in the Iliad (which were winged and had legs) to "ketos” (also from Greek mythology), the terrifying being from whose Latinized name (“cetus”) derives the word "cetacean". See J. Boardman, “Very Like a Whale” - Classical Sea Monsters, in Monsters and Demons in the Ancient and Medieval Worlds, in Papers presented in Honor of Edith Porada, Mainz am Rhein 1987, pp. 73-84). In Italy the monster underwent yet further variations: it can be found in Etruscan art on the front of some sarcophagi representing the companion of souls, while among the Romans we find the “Pistrice” (cited by Plinio in Naturalis Historia PLIN., Nat., II 9, 8 and by Virgilio in Eneide: VERG., Aen., III, 427), which appeared in the shape of a stylized hippocampus or a very large monstrous cetacean and evolved into a hideous being with a dragon's head and long webbed fins. During the Middle Ages, the sea monster was the object of new transformations: at this time, it is often winged, the head is stretched like a crocodile, the front legs are often very sharp fins - sometimes real paws - until the image merges with dragons, the typical figures of medieval visionary spirituality widely found throughout Europe (on this topic and much more, see: Baltrušaitis, J., Il Medioevo fantastico. Antichità ed esotismi nell’arte gotica, Gli Adelphi 1997). In Italy during the 15th and 16th centuries, the revival of classicism - representative of the humanistic and Renaissance periods - led to a different reading of these "creatures". Indeed, the sea monster was also to find widespread use as an isolated decorative motif, especially in numerous fountains and sculptures where dolphins or sea monsters were used as a characterizing element linked to water (on this theme see: Chet Van Duzer, Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps, London, The British library, 2013). From the morphological point of view, the "sea monsters" of this period are mostly depicted as hybrid figures, in which the body of a mythological or real being (a hippocampus, a sea snake, a dolphin), is joined to a head with a rather indistinct appearance. It was usually characterized by large upright ears, an elongated snout, sharp teeth and globular, protruding eyes; a complex and indefinite figure, both from the symbolic point of view and from that of its genesis. The work we are examining is placed as a cross between the medieval sea serpent and the Renaissance dolphin, with stylistic features which recall the snake as often used in heraldry (such as the "snake" depicted in the coat of arms of the Visconti - the lords and then dukes of Milan between 1277 and 1447 - and which, for some, may be derived from the representations of the “Pistrice” that swallowed Jonah). In the search for sources, Renaissance cartography and in particular woodcuts should not be neglected. See for example the monsters of Olaus Magnus, from the editions of the “Historia de gentibus septentrionalibus” (“History of the peoples of the north”) and the natural histories of Conrad Gesner, Ulisse...

Beautiful garden fountain with multi-directional spigot and dolphin figurines. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)

This fine and very large coup or urn is made of a rare stone Lapis Medicea onyx. The form is based on the large decorative stonework found throughout the ancient world and then again...

A spectacular and high quality Italian 19th century Renaissance st. white Carrara marble fountain. This wonderful fountain is raised by a rectangular plinth supporting a top rolled c...

Early 20th century marble fountain of a young girl and boy holding a shell as water comes out from the rocks. As the young boy holds the shell the young girl looks over as the water ...

This delightful and playful reconstituted stone fountain garden ornament, featuring a mother and baby elephant, hails from mid-20th century England. The piece beautifully captures th...

Antique Stone Surround Dimensions: APPROXIMATE - Overall: 54.5"W x 41"D x 11.5"H - AVG Stone: 9”W x 15”D x 18”H Beautiful texture and patina.

Magnificent cast bronze fountain sculpture of an Imp like youth with Puck face and leaf like hair, nude and mounted on a petal form pedestal. Enor...

Hand Carved Stone Wellhead center Fountain Basin Antique Fire Pit planter LA CA . A nice hand carved Stone 17th/18th Century well head Octagon shape ...

Roman Travertine Monolithic font by Tino Seubert Dimensions: D 100.5 x W 61 x H 62.1 cm. Materials: Roman Travertine. Tino Seubert When he first made his now signature wicker a...

A contemporary hand-carved limestone wall fountain from France, featuring a refined blend of classical and modern design. The fountain boasts a tall, rectangular basin with elegantly...

Vintage lost wax cast bronze Roman style fountain from the mid 20th century. Three Putti Cherubs holding fish. Water comes from fishes mouth and drips to a bowl that then creates a...

This vintage ceramic frog fountain is a charming statue that can be used in a water feature or Stand alone as a hidden garden friend. Opening at base to ...

Fontana a muro in cemento, pietra artificiale scolpita con volto di Bacco e decorazioni semplici del periodo, originale di Epoca inizio '900. Misure massime cm w 63 x P 40 x H 125 (...

An early 19th century copper repoussé lavabo/fountain which was originally mounted on the wall inside the home. This period piece features a pair of doves/love birds on either side o...

A Whimsical English 19th-20th century white marble figural fountain with dogs fountain. The Baroque Revival six-sided tripod marble base surmounted with three upright seated Yorkshire Terriers resting on a leaf and acanthus center stem, topped with a semi-circular scalloped carved basin...

Elegant 20th-Century Bronze Fountain Depicting a Small Triton This elegant bronze fountain features a beautifully crafted figure of a small Triton, showcasing Italian workmanship fr...

The magnificent and large fountain is composed entirely of hand-blown Murano glass, featuring a tiered structure with a broad, fluted circular base that supports the central stem. Th...

Ancient circular well, in ancient Vicenza stone, with handmade sculptures of cherubs, festoons and decorations of the time, handmade in Northern Italy, for the garden of a noble pala...

Water Element is a work in bronze and aluminum by Czech sculptor Ondřej Oliva. It is both an outdoor sculpture and a large garden water basin. The water is static. A drain plug situa...

Decorate a entry wall or hallway with this elegant antique terracotta fountain. Crafted in France, circa 1830, the decorative reservoir features a classical male profile rendered in ...

Wall fountain with semicircular basin and stand in Rosso Verona marble. Winged female iron herms support the basin.

Originally a spigot for a French wine barrel, this bronze spout has a pierced two-finger turn valve reminiscent of a crown. The spout, which dates to the 1800s, is also embellished w...

The piece is signed as can be seen on the picture, but we could not read the name on it.

Pair of French figural cherub form lead fountains riding on turtle, Mid-19th century. Fountains are plumed for the garden or pond.

Gothic Hand Carved Stone Surround Architectural Element Wall Mount Fountain Idea . A Beautiful and Rare Gothic 15th Century Carved Stone Window Sur...

A stunning and extremely decorative Italian 19th century Baroque st. marble basin/fountain. The sink displays a beautiful richly sculpted solid Bleu Turquin marble basin with charmin...

A wonderful and most decorative Italian Turn of the Century Neo-Classical st. white Carrara marble fountain by Donatello Garbbrielli. This stunning fountain is of a nude maiden seate...

A very fine Italian 19th century carved Carrara marble figural fountain "Jardinière" modelled as a standing Putto and a Satyr supporting a sea-sh...

A sensational and high quality Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. white Carrara marble and patinated Bronze fountain. This charming fountain is raised on a triangular shaped base...

This spout is an excellent accessory for any stone fountain or water feature. The opening of the spout is 1'' thick. Measurements: 16'' L x 11.5'' H x 1'' W.

Rustic Hand Carved Stone Container Jardinière Trough Basin Planter Antique Farm . 18th Early Century small water fountain Basin Of Hand Car...

19th century Country French fountain with porcelain reservoir and basin is a charming ode to a bygone era! Back before hot and cold running water, it was desirable for family members...

Rustic Antique Hand Carved Stone Birdbath Center Fountain Basin Sink Container . A beautiful 17th Century Hand Sculpted Benitier reflects t...

Stunning classical Italian bronze wall fountain which is floor standing It has a wonderful Verdi gris patina that can only be achieved through age. This impressive sized fountain has...

Fountain: Marble Roso Verona Rosso Francia marble, also known as Rouge incarnat or Languedoc, is a historical French marble used since the 19th century for churches and noble palace...

Monumental fountain in Murano glass, 1950s Metal base containing pump for continuous water recycling and lighting. Murano blown glass upper part composed of two bands of two-tone lea...

Impressive hand-carved marble fountain with a classic design featuring a sculpted lion's head, used as a water spout. The structure includes intricate ornamental details, enhanced by...

This hand-carved limestone wall fountain combines Gothic style with contemporary craftsmanship, imported directly from Europe. Designed in a compact size, it features a single pre-dr...

This mesmerizing rock crystal fountain is a true marvel of natural beauty and craftsmanship. Crafted from genuine rock crystal, each translucent piece is carefully shaped and polishe...

An antique French limestone wall fountain, hand-carved and dating to the early 1900s. This elegant piece features a medium-sized basin for water overflow, with a pre-drilled hole for...

White Carrara marble wall fountain with projecting lion face. ▪ Made in Italy dimensions 51 h x 43 x 24 cm weight 26 kg italian manufacturing certified by the Lazio region The sculp...

A grey and red marble birdbath. It rests on a shaft in the form of a ringed column. The capital of water leaves is in patinated bronze. The round basin wit...

Bronze wall horse fountain. Beautiful piece perfect to create ambiance in any outdoor garden setting. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)

This beautiful antique 19th century limestone wall fountain is a great addition to any Mediterranean, Tuscan, rustic, or other custom style home. The naturally aged color and distres...

Wall Fountain in Art Deco-style with a high rising, tapering square shaft. At the upper part is a molded, geometric decor in the style of Art Deco. The basin is in the shape of a hal...

Hand Carved Stone Container Fountain Basin Tub Planter Firepit Trough Antique LA . This trough could be installed with a simple bronze spout or a carved stone fountain head , we have many options of them, creating a charming garden water fountain . This good large size stone trough from Provence , The centuries left its marks on this container and a very nice patina . Installed will be the focal point of any landscape design . It is a piece of art that holds history and majesty in its proportions . This architectural element is very versatile and it will be the focal point of your landscape or centerpiece in a contemporary modern design landscape , traditional provincial , Italian , Spanish Mediterranean , French in a farm or winery etc . Some designers turned them into fire pit , some of them with multiple simple spouts with water bubbling as freestanding water feature or with a wall mount fountain head...

An Italian period Rococo late 18th century lavabo with dolphin motif, pewter sink and reservoir, mounted on a wooden stand. This Italian lavabo features an...

Cordovan wall fountain of the 18th century made of stone, with marble incristations making shapes of rhombuses and circles, with a marble mask of reddish v...

Exquisite, rare, hand-hewn St. Cyr marble wall fountain from the 18th century. This remarkable piece features a spout intricately crafted in the shape of a river god, cascading water...

Small Stone Fountain Back Dimensions: Back plate: approx 20"H x 12" W x 3”D (spout hole located 14" up and on center 6") Basin: approx 6”H x 12”D x ...

Decorative fountain carved from warm-toned travertine marble, featuring finely sculpted horse head motifs. Made in Italy during the 1980s, this piece showcases a harmonious blend of ...

Cast iron wall fountain signed by Val D´osne Foundry, France, late 19th century.

This antique French limestone central fountain from the 17th century is the perfect addition to any outdoor space. With a square shape and a central style design, it features a pilla...

An impressive and large scale Italian 19th century white Carrara marble and patinated Bronze fountain. This stunning fountain is raised by a square base with carved paws at each corn...

Fountain believed to be from from Turkey or Greece, 19th century and 20th century elements. The fountain is in working condition. replaced with modern marble carving elements to spou...

Village water pump fountain in limestone with a double trough also made from limestone in front of it.

Cast iron fountain sculpture "Boethus Boy with goose" signed Antoine Durenne Fonderie, France, late 19th century. Green marble pedestal dimensions: 95 ...

Introducing an extraordinary Monumental Greek-Style Fountain in Reconstituted Stone from the mid-20th century. This magnificent piece is richly adorned with intricate sculptures and ...