18th Century and Earlier Figurative Sculptures

Carved from wood with lovely details. The pedestal dimensions are 21 W X 16 Deep and 11 H which makes the overall height about 60".

A stunning and extremely decorative true pair of Italian 18th century Baroque period giltwood statues. Each statue is raised by a rectangular ground like designed base where the char...

Renaissance Winged Cherub Relief
Florence, Second Half of the 15th Century
Stone with traces of polychromy Provenance: Important private collection, Northern Italy This exceptional...

Although the 18th century, the period of the Enlightenment in France, spawned thinkers who criticised the privileges of the clergy and the truthfulness of certain dogmas, the Roman Catholic faith was very much present in everyday life. Since king Louis XIV had issued the Edict of Fontainebleau in 1685, Protestantism was banned. This Madonna with child illustrates the daily practice of faith. Like many 18th-century Madonna statues...

18th 18th Century Pair of candle-bearing angels Carved and gilded wood, 28 x 71 cm The item is in good condition

17th / 18th Century Antique Memento Mori Skull Terracotta Sculpture. Rare and unusual memento mori terracotta sculpture depicting a skull on a rock base with entwined snakes, with a...

This pair of large English Prattware figures, hand-painted in Staffordshire around 1790, represents Autumn and Winter through the distinctive charm of late 18th-century folk pottery....

Circle of Pierpaolo and Jacobello Dalle Masegne (Venice, late 14th century) San Bartolomeo high relief 'en applique' white marble 52 x 30 x 14 cm Provenance : Collection South of...

Jean Boulogne bronze sculpture "Abduction of the Sabine Women" a verdigris patinated bronze figured group on a circular stylized. Base signe "Jean Bologne".

A pair of 16th Century Italian wood carved figures of Saint Ambrose Archbishop of Milan and Saint Augustine Bishop of Hippo, two of the four original Doc...

Trinity in carved and polychromed wood, in the round, the back partially hollowed out. It is represented here as a "Throne of Grace". In this original formula, which probably origina...

Italian, Bozzetto, 'Saint Paul on Patmos', c. 1720–1730. Terracotta, monogrammed 'J F'. This expressive and finely modelled Italian terracotta bozzetto was likely created in Rome ar...

Impressive Pair of Portuguese Seraphim end 17th began1 8th Century Sculptures in molded, polychrome and gilded clay. The figures are represented standing. Set on bases. Normal d...

Rare antique important marble statue of Gopi, mounted on a plexiglass base, in modern taste. Statue high 47 cm; with base cm. 71 - plexiglas base is cm. 20 x 20. Unique item! Sec...

18th Century Meissen Porcelain Figure, Piedmontese bagpiper. Modelled by J.J. Kändler after an engraving by Jacques Dumont, wearing a black hat with brown feather, fur-lined white...

Pair of Sphynx sculptures made of Bluestone. Originates from Belgium. Circa, 1880's. Sold as a pair.

Georgian Creamware Toy Hound, Whieldon-Type Circa 1765-75 This charming Antique Creamware Figure of a hound is a superb example of 18th-century pottery. The small figure sits on its...

OUR LADY WITH THE BOY JESUS Indo-Portuguese sculpture, !7th Century in polychrome, upholstered and gilded wood. The figure is represented standing, holding the Baby Jesus with his l...

MEISSEN VERY LOVELY FIGURINE: MOTTO CHILD BY M.V.ACIER / JE LES METS A CALME ( = I'M CONCILIATING AND I'M SOOTHING ) Manufactory: Meissen Hallmarked: Blue Meissen Sword Mark (...

Pair of 16th Century Italian carved polychromed angelic sculptures.

In excellent condition considering age. Some losses and chips as expected with the age. From a beautiful home in Santa Barbara.

FIGURE OF A BISHOP SAINT, POSSIBLY ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO Probably Spanish or Southern Italian, circa late 17th century Carved, gilt and polychromed wood 18 3/4" H x 5" W x 4 1/2" ...

CHILD JESUS SAVIOR OF THE WORLD 18th Century portuguese sculpture in polychrome and gilded wood with fabric cover. Mounted on a spherical base and golden plinth. Shine in silver, un...

18th Century Carved Limestone Sculpture of the Mythological Figure Pan. In ancient Greek mythology, Pan is the god of the wild, protector o...

A wonderful and charming Italian 17th century patinated wood carved statue of an angel. The captivating angel is raised by a circular base and dress...

A very fine pair of 18th century carved figures, of Court Jesters These bearded gentlemen have been superbly carved in the finest detail, they original came from a piece of early 18th Century Furniture...

Technique: Tempera and oil on wood Dimensions: 25 x 11 x 8 cm Description: This exceptional work from the 12th century represents the Seated Virgin with Child (Sedes Sapientiae), standing out as an artistic treasure from medieval Spain. The portrayal of the Virgin enthroned with the Child on her lap is emblematic of Romanesque art, and this particular piece is a valuable and authentic example of that era. The current polychromy belongs to the Gothic period and overlays the original Romanesque layer. It is crucial to highlight that the current state of the artwork is the original, without any cleaning interventions, imparting a unique authenticity. The work exhibits architectural characteristics typical of Romanesque art, evident in the sides of the throne. The rigidity and symmetry characteristic of this style are reflected in the firm presentation of the Baby Jesus, noticeable in his gesture while holding his son. The Virgin wears a crown, symbolizing her royal character as the Queen of Heaven and Creation. Both figures retain traces of polychromy on the face and attire, adding layers of history and authenticity. While similar Romanesque Virgin...

Virgin and Child in Polychrome Wood on a Cloud with Cherubs, Spanish/Colonial School, 18th Century This devotional sculpture in carved wood, 61 cm in total height, depicts the Virgi...

Sculpture of Saint Paul, an ancient statue Ancient statue of Saint Paul from the 17th century Large sculpture depicting Saint Paul, from the 1600s, carved in solid Walnut wood. Or...

Followers of Jean de la Huerta, Jean de Blany ? Saint Jerome Limestone Burgundy, second half of the15th century 60,5 cm ALR Ref : S00248050 This exquisite sculpture of Saint Jerome, carved from soft, nearly white limestone typical of eastern France, exemplifies the exceptional craftsmanship of 15th-century Burgundian art. The figure of Saint Jerome, a key figure in Christian history renowned for translating the Bible into Latin, is depicted wearing a cardinal’s hat and holding the Vulgate Bible...

Originally gilded. as notice some traces of gilt residue. From the collection of Verna Harrah. Harra's Casinos.

Rare Bronzes Depicting two Figures in Turkish Attire Possibly Suleiman the Magnificent at two different ages bronzes, alabaster bases Venice, early 17th century 19,5 x 6 x 5 cm These two rare bronze statuettes represent two figures dressed in elaborate "Turkish" attire. They are mounted on alabaster bases with bronze reliefs—one featuring the winged lion of Venice, and the other possibly symbolizing Turkey with a wolf depiction. One figure wears a grand külah, a spherical turban with a cone top, signifying royal authority, while the other has a wrapped turban, denoting rank and religious identity. Their garments are richly detailed with intricate engravings, suggesting luxurious fabrics of the Ottoman court. The statuettes may represent Suleiman the Magnificent at two different stages of life, as both young and old. The sultan depicted alongside the winged lion corresponds to a description from a Venetian delegate in 1534, when Suleiman was 43. At that time, he had conquered Iraq from the Safavids and achieved a decisive victory over the Papal fleet at the Battle of Preveza. He was described as having large eyes, an aquiline nose, and long red mustaches—traits visible in Cristofano dell'Altissimo’s portrait of Suleiman in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Unlike Mehmed II, who commissioned portraits by European artists for diplomatic purposes, Suleiman did not directly order such representations. Instead, his likeness spread through works by artists like Albrecht Dürer, based on sketches made by diplomats. Following his capture of Belgrade in 1521, his victory over Hungary in 1526, and his siege of Vienna...

Magnificent 18th-century Spanish sculpture from the Murcian School, representing an apostle, finely carved in wood, polychromed, gilded, and estofado. The figure displays remarkable ...

Kamakura Period Japanese Shinzu sculpture. Shinzo is a representational figure of a god or spirit in the Shinto religion. This sculpture was carved fro...

This Italian Limestone Venus Sculpture is a stunning depiction of the goddess of love, carved with incredible detail and from authentic 18th century limestone sourced from Italy. The...

BEAUTIFUL EARLY 1800'S MEDALLION OF TSAR ALEXANDER II. IN GOOD GEMERAL CONDITION. PRESENT SLIGHT FAULTS ON THE EDGES- SEE PHOTOS. MEASURES: 10 CM DIAMET...

Agnolo di Polo (Firenze 1470 - Arezzo 1528) Saint Nicholas of Tolentino Around 1510-1520 Painted and gilded terracotta 55.5 x 24 x 16.5 cm San Nicholas de Tolentino is represe...

Large heavy 18th century or earlier carved oak corbel. The corbel depicts a large male open-eyed smiling face with broad features. Finly carved details with wonderful old patina.

18th Century wooden hand-carved polychrome sculpture from the south of Spain. Head made from felt paper and dressed with original clothing.

An important bronze sculpture of the god Jupiter from the 18th century, likely of German origin. This impressive piece captures the majesty of the king of gods, showcasing fine detai...

A magnificent Italian 17th century Louis XIV period, circa 1680 white carrara marble statue of a man and his dog. The striking statue, carved out of one solid marble block, is raised on a rectangular base. The extremely well sculpted statue...

Stunning and complete unique early Baroque altarpiece with beautiful and very rich carved and gilded decor, Spain, circa 1650 Weathered, small losses, old repairs and adjustments of ...

An impressive and very high quality Italian late 17th / early 18th century white Carrara marble bust of Athena. The bust is raised by a rectangular base with cut corners and a fine w...

17th Century Spanish carved oak wood sculpture of Saint Francis Xavier, the co-founder of the society of Jesus.

Cercle of Jacopo della Pila (Lombard, in Naples 1471-1502) Marble relief depicting a winged Cherub Naples, second half of15th century 40 x 57 x 12 cm Exquisitely carved, this relief portrays a winged cherub with cascading hair and delicate features. The cherub's plump, smooth countenance, rounded cheeks, outlined lips, and finely drawn nose emanate a sense of tenderness. The quadrangular module, is adorned with a carved frame. The relief ascends gradually, transitioning from the low relief of the wings to the high relief of the head. The rectangular frame and the subtly curved form of the artwork suggest that the relief likely adorned the upper part of an arch or a vaulted chapel. The type is that of the perspective room with a coffered ceiling decorated with figures of winged cherubs, which is found in various Neapolitan chapels of the 15th century. Coffered ceilings attest to the recovery of antiquity and the search for luxury in Renaissance architecture, first in Florence, then in Rome and Naples. The majority of the numerous family chapels and tombs built during the late fifteenth century in south of Italy employ the new formal vocabulary of the Florentine Renaissance in a self-confident manner that permitted a broad spectrum of variations. The escalating admiration for the classical world, coupled with the development of perspective, significantly contributed to the Renaissance endorsement of coffered ceilings. This artistic and constructive device drew inspiration from the intricate marble patterns observed in historical landmarks such as the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, the Pantheon, and the Basilica of Maxentius. A distilled product of both mathematical and artistic cultures, deeply scrutinizing the ancient world, the coffered ceiling plays a vital role in the perspective construction of space with its regular and directional geometry. The motif of the coffered ceiling decorated with cherubs in relief was introduced in Naples by Francesco Laurana in the plastic decoration of the Arch of Castelnuovo. Laurana's impact on the art scene in the south of Italy was profound. The introduction of the winged cherub into the region's artistic vocabulary bridged the gap between the classical and the contemporary, creating a synthesis that resonated with both aesthetic and spiritual sensibilities. His influence extended beyond the immediate visual appeal, shaping the cultural identity of the Renaissance in southern Italy. Although the plastic decoration of the Arch of Castelnuovo cannot certainly be ascribed to a mature Renaissance style, it was precisely on this occasion that the sculptors who worked there could get to know and export throughout the Italian peninsula that type of "Florentine classicism" which, even in the 15th century Naples, was conditioned by the Burgundian culture imported into the Kingdom by Alfonso of Aragon himself, with artists called from Spain and Northern Europe. The coffered ceiling, with its geometric patterns and Laurana's winged cherubs nestled within, became a symbol of refinement and cultural sophistication. The relief sculptures, carefully integrated into the overall design, transformed the ceiling into a celestial realm, inviting viewers to contemplate the divine while immersed in the grandeur of the Renaissance space. Similar winged cherubs appears also in the Naples cathedral. Within the renowned Succorpo Chapel, a mesmerizing marble coffered ceiling adorned with cherubs epitomizes the splendor of the Neapolitan Renaissance. The interplay of light and shadow on the textured surface of the marble coffered ceiling introduces an ethereal dimension, providing an immersive visual experience for observers. The geometric precision and the repeated patterns, reminiscent of classical motifs, establish a sense of harmony and balance that has become the hallmark of the Neapolitan interpretation of Florentine Renaissance aesthetics. Although probably intended to be admired from a distance, this cherub is intricately detailed and exquisitely rendered: the face and hair are elegantly outlined and the feathers are textured through juxtaposed lines. The marble, both figurative and decorative, adheres to the principles of balance and restrained ornamentation typical of the « Florentine Classicism ». Harmonious shapes and gracefully orchestrated curves , rooted in the classical repertoire, converge to evoke a sense of ethereal beauty. The surface displays the masterful use of a chisel to intricately carve the feathers and facial features, creating an almost abstract quality. This work is a testament to a sculptor of great skill and rich figurative knowledge, seamlessly blending classical firmness in contours with a refined treatment of the marble's surface. The combination of tradition and innovation point to a stylistic idiom from Lombardy, in particular we can find some comparaisons with the works of Jacopo della Pila, sculptor of Lombard origin working in Naples in the second half of the 15th century. He is documented there between 1471 and 1502, and is a protagonist of the Aragon Renaissance in the second half of the Quattrocento, together with the other great Northern sculptor active in the kingdom, Domenico Gagini. the first commission he received dates back to August 9, 1471, when Jacopo publicly committed to sculpting the funerary monument of Archbishop Nicola Piscicelli to be placed in the Cathedral of Salerno. The last known work is an altar ordered on July 29, 1502, by the noble Jacopo Rocco for the church of San Lorenzo Maggiore in Naples. Between these two chronological extremes (1471-1502), we must place the fervent activity of the artist, who had trained in Rome, perhaps under the guidance of Paolo Romano but also engaged in dialogue with other major artists of the city, especially Isaia da Pisa. He enriched his experience in Naples, initially drawing inspiration from the works of Domenico Gagini and later from the Tuscan masterpieces of Antonio Rossellino and Benedetto da Maiano destined for the church of Santa Maria di Monteoliveto. Jacopo della Pila's artistic personality is thus based on a complex interplay of influences, contributing to the definition of a highly personal style. Close comparaison can be made between our cherub and the winged angels reliefs...

We present to you an antique Gothic capital from the 18th century, finely carved in stone. This magnificent architectural element is a testament to Goth...

Terracotta head remnant on tapered wood base

Large Spanish polychrome wood sculpture of Saint Jude Thaddeus, 18th century, 100 cm This antique image of Saint Jude Thaddeus, carved and polychromed in wood, comes from a Spanish w...

An impressive antique English Georgian Prattware pottery figure of Charity dating from around 1790. The lightly potted figure stands raised on a square pedestal base with a sculpted ...

Pair of 18th-Century Italian Baroque Neapolitan Crèche Figures of Merchant Men in Leather A rare and expressive pair of 18th-century Italian Baroque crèche figures, likely originati...

18th Century. Peace depicting the Crucifixion Dark patina bronze, 21 x 14.5 cm The bronze examined is an ancient peace (in Latin osculum pacis or table pacis), the object of th...

Large Cast and Chiseled Bronze Plaque Saint Sebastian after the model by Guido Reni (Capitoline Museum) Rome, 17th century Large rectangular bronze plaque depicting the martyrdom of...

This French limestone Saint sculpture is an exquisite creation from the 17th century, exhibiting expert craftsmanship and a lasting reminder of the pe...

18th century Italian gilded cross with 18th century arms of Christ, aquamarine, and gold-plated crystal points and mounted on a gilded, hand-carved base. The cross originally came f...

17th century Crucifix Measures: Boxwood, 42 cm high x 8 x 14 The sculpture depicting the crucified Christ examined here represents a refined example of seventeenth-century cabinetry in boxwood. The figure of Christ, now dead on the cross, is part of a precious artistic choreography with the structure of the cross and its pedestal, both decorated with tortoiseshell mirrors, ivory threads to emphasize the structure of the cross and elements in ebonized and carved wood to highlight the architectural structure of the pedestal. The departure of Christ is evident from the lowered head, from the open hands...

An 18th-century Italian sculpture of a draped Madonna, masterfully carved in polychrome and gilded wood. The Virgin, gracefully veiled, holding the infant Jesus on her lap with a st...

This pair of Meissen figurines depicts four infants, each representative of one of the Four Seasons. Autumn and summer are paired together, w...

This is truly a wonderful piece with clear age and a nice patina to it. Very unique. We have not seen another quite like it. The monk appears to have glass eyes which gives his expression a very humanistic feel. The head is removable (please see the last image). From a collection of Japanese arts and artifacts. Most likely dates back to the Edo period. Would make for a nice addition to any Japanese or Asian artifacts...

Superb antique carved wooden statue depicting Saint Adrian, dressed as a Roman soldier and holding a round shield, his distinctive attribute. At his feet, a lion recalls the episode ...

Set of three Cozzi white porcelain Venetian figures. Three small porcelain sculptures in the signature Cozzi glazed paste of a nobleman clutching a flower, a woman holding a carafe, and a young boy holding flowers...