Late 18th Century Wall Decorations

A beautifully executed and rare complementary pair of oil on canvas paintings depicting two of the moist famous and important counter reformation catholic saints St Francis Xavier and St Carlo Borromeo shown in scenes of what the respective saints are mostly famous for. St Francis Xavier for the conversion to Christianity of many S. E Asian countries notably India and St Carlo Borromeo shown asking the Virgin Mary to intercede for the cessation of the terrible plague of 1576. The paintings are presented in refreshed gilded carved wooden frames and are unsigned. St. Francis Xavier was born in Spanish Navarre in 1506 and in 1528, he met St. Ignatius of Loyola. He became one of the seven in 1534 who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order). In 1536, he left the University of Paris and joined St. Ignatius in Venice. He was ordained in 1537, and in 1540 after the Society was recognized by the Pope, he journeyed to the Far East. Francis Xavier first evangelized the Portuguese colony of Goa in India, then Travancore, Ceylon, Malacca, and the surrounding islands. From there he journeyed to Japan, where he gave Christianity such deep roots that it survived centuries of violent persecution. He died on Sancian Island in 1552, while he was seeking to penetrate into the great forbidden land of China. Despite language problems, lack of funds, resistance from the Europeans as well as the natives, he persevered. St. Francis converted more people in his life than anyone since the Apostle St. Paul. He baptized over 3 million people, converted the entire town of Goa in India, and he labored in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan. He was truly a missionary par excellence. St Carlo Borromeo (1538-1584), was a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church and Archbishop of Milan from 1565 to 1583. He was described in the decree for his canonization, as “a man, even while the world smiles on him with the utmost flattery, he lives crucified to the world, spiritually, trampling earthly things, seeking continuously the things of heaven, emulating the life of the Angels on earth, in his thoughts and actions. The plague began in the month of August that year. Milan was celebrating joyfully the arrival of Don John of Austria, on his way to Flanders, where he had been appointed governor. The city authorities were abuzz with excitement in their desire to bestow the highest honours on the Spanish prince, but Charles, who had been Archbishop of the diocese for six years, was following with concern the news coming from Trento, Verona and Mantua, where the plague had begun claiming victims. The first cases exploded in Milan on August 11th, right at the moment when Don John of Austria arrived. The victor of Lepanto, followed by the governor, Antonio de Guzmán y Zuñiga, departed the city, while Carlo Borromeo, who was in Lodi for the Bishop’s funeral, returned in haste. Confusion and fear reigned in Milan and the Archbishop dedicated himself completely to assisting the sick and ordering public and private prayers. Dom Prosper Guéranger sums up his infinite charity in this way: “In the absence of local authorities, he organized the health service, founded or renewed hospitals, sought money and provisions, decreed preventive measures. Most importantly though, he took steps to ensure spiritual help, assistance to the sick and the burial of the dead. Unafraid of being infected, he paid in person, by visiting hospitals, leading penitential processions, being everything to everyone, like a father and true shepherd” St. Carlo was convinced that the epidemic was “a scourge sent by Heaven” as chastisement for the sins of the people and that recourse to spiritual measures was necessary to fight against it: prayer and penitence. He rebuked the civil authorities for having placed their trust in human measures rather than divine ones. “Hadn’t they prohibited all the pious gatherings and processions during the time of the Jubilee? For him, and he was convinced of it, these were the causes of the chastisement. The magistrates who governed the city continued to oppose public ceremonies, out of fear that the large gathering of people would spread contagion, but Charles “who was guided by the Divine Spirit” – recounts another biographer – convinced them by citing various examples, among which was the one regarding St. Gregory the Great who had halted the plague devastating Rome in 590. While the pestilence spread, the Archbishop then ordered three general processions to take place in Milan on the 3rd, 5th and 6th of October, “to placate the wrath of God”. On the first day, the Saint, despite it not being the Lenten season, placed ashes on the heads of the thousands gathered, exhorting them to penitence. Once the ceremony was over, the procession went to the Basilica of St. Ambrose. Charles put himself at the head of the people, dressed in a hooded purple robe, barefoot, penitential cord at his neck and large cross in his hand. The second procession led by the Cardinal headed towards the Basilica of San Lorenzo. The third day the procession from the Duomo headed for the Basilica of Santa Maria at San Celso. St. Carlo carried in his hands a relique of Our Lord’s Holy Nail, which had been given by the Emperor Theodosius to St. Ambrose in the 5th century. The plague didn’t show any signs of waning and Milan appeared depopulated, as a third of its citizens had lost their lives and the others were in quarantine or didn’t dare leave their homes. The Archbishop ordered about twenty stone columns with a cross at the top to be erected in the main squares and city crossroads, allowing the inhabitants from every quarter to take part in the Masses and public prayers - from the windows of their homes. One of Milan’s protectors was St. Sebastian, the martyr the Romans had recourse to during the plague in 672. St. Charles suggested that the magistrates of Milan reconstruct the sanctuary dedicated to him, which was falling into ruins, and to celebrate a solemn feast in his honour for ten years. Finally in July 1577, the plague ceased and in September the founding stone was laid in the civic temple of St. Sebastian, where on January 20th every year, even today a Mass is offered to recall the end of the scourge. St.Carlo Borromeo died on November 3rd 1584 and was buried in the Duomo of Milan. His heart was solemnly translated to Rome, in the Basilica of Saints Ambrose...

Antique Darning Sampler, 1791, by Ann Manning. The sampler is worked in silk threads on a linen ground, in a variety of stitches. Comprises of 15 darning p...

Title: Views of the Pyramids at Dashur and Plan of the False Pyramid – Egypt Engraving, 1776 Description: This original engraving from 1776 features a series of views and architectu...

Giovanni Battista Piranesi (Italian, 1720–1778) Engraving of an Urn Rome, circa 1768–1778 Etching on paper Dimensions: 35 × 29 1/8 × 1 1/2 in. Executed and published in Rome during...

Wonderful image of classical Roman masks Copper-plate engravings Published by Monaldini, Rome, 1776 Good quality wove paper Free shipping  

Antique Scottish Sampler, 1793, by Anne Williamson. The sampler is worked in silk threads on a linen ground, in a variety of stitches. Intricately detailed meandering strawberry bord...

Oil on canvas portraying the visit of Venus to the forges of Vulcan. French school of the 2nd half of the 18th century. Undoubtedly executed by a pupil of François BOUCHER; who died...

A delicate portrait of a Spanish figure from the early 19th century, painted on copper. The piece is elegantly framed in a small gilded wooden frame, showcasing the artistry and refi...

Dardanelles Strait, Ottoman Turkey – Probst Optical View with Ships, c.1770 This highly decorative hand-colored optical view depicts the Strait of the Dardanelles (Çanakkale Boğazı)...

Californian Woman in Deerskin Dress, Indigenous Portrait – Hand-Colored Engraving This rare late 18th-century hand-colored engraving titled A Californian Woman, habited in the Skin ...

Pont Marie and Pont Rouge in Paris – Hand-Colored Optical View, ca. 1770 This charming hand-colored copperplate engraving titled “Le Pont Marie et le Pont Rouge à Paris” (The Pont M...

This is a delightful antique Spanish oil on canvas painting after Bartolome' Esteban Murillo, depicting two peasant boys eating grapes and melon, Circa 1780 in date.  It features a ...

Title: Samurai Battle Scene – School of Katsukawa, Precursor to Kuniyoshi’s Warrior Prints, c.1780 Description: This dramatic Japanese woodblock print from the late Edo period (circ...

California Quail Pair – Male and Female Partridge of California, Antique Bird Print This fine early ornithological engraving depicts a male and female California quail, here titled ...

California Birds – Northern California Honeyeater and Port Français Thrush, c.1800 This attractive pair of early ornithological engravings depicts two bird species observed along th...

Indians of North America, Dress and Weapons – Millar Geography Engraving, c.1782 This detailed 18th-century copper engraving illustrates the dress, customs, and weapons of Indigenou...

Niagara Falls, Cataracte de Niagara – Early French Engraved View, c.1780 This elegant 18th-century engraved view depicts Niagara Falls, presented under the French title Cataracte de...

Sandwich Islands Masked Man – Hawaiian Portrait, Captain Cook Voyage Engraving, c.1777 This striking ethnographic portrait depicts a masked man from the Sandwich Islands (present-da...

Inhabitants of California, Indigenous Dress and Daily Life – Early Ethnographic Engraving, c.1774 This early ethnographic engraving depicts Indigenous inhabitants of California show...

French Revolutionary Infantry – Uniforms, Drummers and Standards, c.1795 This rare and finely hand-colored military print illustrates French Revolutionary infantry uniforms and equi...

Antique print titled 'The tarantula, with the method of curing those stung by it, which is effected by music and dancing'. Antique print of the wolf spider...

Saint Francis of Paola, engraving by Antonio Gramignani, Rome, circa 1670–1690 Description: This devotional engraving by Antonio Gramignani (active Rome, late 17th century) depicts ...

Decorate a den, study or office with this antique cow painting. Hand painted in the Netherland and set in the original ornately carved golden fra...

Russian imperial palace view – hand coloured optical print c. 1780 Attractive 18th-century optical print (vue d’optique) depicting a grand view of the Russian Tsarskoye Selo palace ...

An antique engraving depicting a dance scene titled "An Exact Representation of a Dance in Otaheite," Otaheite being an archaic name for Tahiti in French Polynesia. This engraving would have been created as a part of a series to document the culture and life of the Tahitian people, likely observed by European explorers during one of the many voyages to the South Pacific in the 18th century. In the foreground, there are central figures engaged in a dance, wearing traditional Polynesian attire, which includes wraps around their waists and adornments that seem to represent status or a part of the dance costume. They are holding what appear to be fans, which may be part of the traditional dance. The dancers' poses suggest movement and a performance aspect to the scene. Behind the dancers, we can see a group of musicians providing the accompaniment, playing drums, which indicates the importance of music and rhythm in the dance. To the right, there is an audience of seated individuals, likely members of the community, watching the performance. The background of the scene includes thatched huts and a lush landscape with palm trees, depicting a typical village setting in Tahiti. The checkerboard pattern on the ground where the dance takes place is notable, as it adds a sense of structure to the scene. This image would have been intended for a European audience unfamiliar with Tahitian culture and would have served as a visual record of the encounters between European explorers and the peoples of the Pacific Islands. The engraving you've uploaded, titled "An Exact Representation of a Dance in Otaheite," is likely from a work documenting the voyages of Captain James Cook, given the style and subject matter. Captain Cook made three voyages to the Pacific Ocean during the 18th century, and his encounters with the peoples of the Pacific, including those of Tahiti (Otaheite), were extensively recorded and published. The engravings from Cook's voyages were made by artists who accompanied him, such as John Webber on his third voyage, or were based on sketches made by other crew members. These images were then published in the official accounts of the voyages. The most notable of these accounts is "A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean" undertaken during Cook's third voyage from 1776 to 1780, which was published in the years following his death in 1779. Another possible source for this engraving could be from the accounts of Joseph Banks. Banks was a naturalist who joined Cook on his first voyage (1768-1771) aboard the HMS Endeavour and was responsible for extensive collections and descriptions of Pacific cultures. His collections and later works also included illustrations and engravings of the scenes and peoples encountered. Given that the engraving is labeled as "London Published as the Act directs by Alexr. Hogg at the Kings Arms...

Peruvian Cuzco School Oil on Canvas of the Archangel Michael defeating Satan 18th Century. Later Frame. Wear commensurate with age. The Cuzco or Cusco school was a Roman Catho...

Optical View of New York City, Manhattan Harbor - Hand-Colored and Published in Augsburg ca.1775 Description: This striking hand-colored vue d’optique depicts an animated harbor sce...

Antique shell print of univalves. This antique print originates from William Frederic Martyn’s two volume work, 'A New Dictionary of Natural Histor...

Title: Column of Trajan, Rome – Original Hand-Colored Engraving, 1798 This original hand-colored engraving titled "Column of Trajan" was published in London on May 14th, 1798 by L. ...

Kesa, known as "Jiasha" in Chinese and "Kasaya" in Sanskrit, is an out layer garment worn by the ordained Buddhist monks. Bearing a basic rectangular form, it developed originally in...

Architectural Ornament of the Louvre – Cornices and Balustrade by Louis-Pierre Baltard Description: An exquisite architectural engraving by Louis-Pierre Baltard (1764–1846) depictin...

Beautiful and meaningful religious art. If only the best quality and condition is good enough for you then this stunning and practical size corpus of Christ could be gracing your wall soon. Both the perfect anatomy and the amazing details in this antique corpus...

Unique Rare 18th century Pair of French Bronze Curtain Brackets with matching Pair of Gold and Silver threaded Tassels of Louis XI Period. Paris ca 1780-1800.

Title: Pyramids of Biahmu, Obelisk of Biggig, and Lake Moeris – Egypt Engraving, 1776 Description: This 1776 engraving depicts a collection of plans and views relating to the pyrami...

Saint Francis of Paola, engraving by Antonio Gramignani, Rome, circa 1670–1690 Description: This devotional engraving by Antonio Gramignani (active Rome, late 17th century) depicts ...

Woman of Aragon – Hand-Colored Engraving by Grasset de Saint-Sauveur, c.1797 An exquisite late-18th-century hand-colored engraving titled “Femme de l’Aragon,” designed by Jacques Gr...

The Port of Marseille – 18th Century Hand-Colored Engraving by Daumont, Paris Description: This lively 18th-century hand-colored engraving, titled “Le Port de Marseilles,” was publi...

View of the Harbor and City of Cannes – Engraving by Dubois after Courvoisier, 1784 Description: This fine 18th-century engraving titled “Vue de la Rade et de la Ville de Cannes” (V...

The Abandonment of Ariadne on Naxos by Theseus: A Classical Myth Depicted by Tommaso Piroli, 1789 This captivating copperplate engraving, created by the Italian engraver Tommaso P...

18th century, pair of French Louis XVI oil on canvas paintings with trompe l’œil, attributable to Piat Joseph Sauvage (Tournai, 1744–1818) Size: cm H 94 x L 132 each The pair o...

Antique engraving of Harlech Castle, Merionethshire, published by Alexander Hogg, c.1785–1795 This antique engraving depicts Harlech Castle in Merionethshire (today Gwynedd), one of...

Beautiful oil painting on a wooden panel, set in a period frame of carved wood and gilded with gold leaf, to which period wooden supports were added to fit the frame. The painting de...

Oil on canvas ''the Descent from the Cross'' or "La Descente de la Croix" in the style of Peter Paul Rubens the Descent from the Cross has been called a Baroque masterpiece — perhaps due to its monumentality — but it is also considered to be the first work of Rubens' “Classicist” period, which characterized his style from about 1612 to 1620. Highly sought after original copy of the masterpiece that Rubens painted, it shows it's age well, some repairs but when it hangs on the wall it is an impressive antique canvas...

Antique Map of the Pyramids of Saqqara and Dahshur – Egypt, c.1710s Description: This rare early 18th-century engraving presents a bird’s-eye topographic plan of the pyramids of Saq...

This print titled "Ornemens, Ustensiles Et Armes Des Isles Des Amis" is from Captain James Cook's third voyage, specifically published in 1777 by Strahan and Cadell. It represents va...

Bold Leaves and Butterfly – Hand-Colored Botanical Print from Meerburgh’s 1775 Series This striking hand-colored botanical engraving, designated Tab. VII, is an original plate from ...

Japanese Edo-Period Landscape with Poem – Pavilion and Autumn Hills, c.1790 Description: This original Japanese woodblock print from the late Edo period, circa 1790, depicts a tranq...

Great map of Ancient Greece. Showing the region of Boeotia, including Thebes Drawn by J.D. Barbie Du Bocage Copper plate engraving by P.F T...

Red-Crested Cardinal Antique Hand-Colored Bird Print by William Hayes, 1780 This charming eighteenth-century hand-colored copper engraving, signed “W. Hayes 1780” and inscribed “Car...

This 18th-century French barometer is a rare and remarkable piece of antique furniture, embodying both historical significance and exquisite craftsmanship. The barometer features a w...

David Kleyne (1753- 1805) Dutch painter, oil painting seascape with ships David Kleyne (1753- 1805), Dutch painter, draftsman, pen artist, etcher. A beau...

Created in England and attributed to Francis Wheatley (1747-1801), the oil on panel depicts a young shepherdess attending her sheep and lambs in a pastoral landscape. The colorful ar...

Title: Royal Tombs in the Valley of the Kings, Thebes – Antique View, Egypt 1776 Description: This atmospheric 1776 engraving offers a rare early European depiction of the Valley of...

A pair of antique oak panels of classically dressed figures thought to be saints. Dating to circa 1800, these Georgian period panels have a neoclassical flair as the figures are dis...

Greek Inscriptions from Egypt – Antique Print of Ancient Texts, Pococke 1776 This intriguing antique print displays a collection of ancient Greek inscriptions found in Egypt, meticu...

Title: Exotic Pigeons of the World: Hand-Colored Engravings from the Seligmann Edition, After George Edwards’ Natural History This set of three beautifully detailed hand-colored eng...

Set of five antique prints of various furniture. Published by Benard after Radel, circa 1785.

Antique map titled 'Karte von dem groessten Theil des Landes Jemen'. Original map of Yemen, this map is the first printed map specifically of Yemen, and t...

A Small Late 18th Century Chinese Export Reverse Painted Mirror Depicting two coloured birds perched on a rocky outcrop, with four large peony blooms, the mirror plate with a sligh...

Knight of the Illustrious Order of Saint Januarius in Ceremonial Robes Description: This hand-colored engraving depicts a distinguished Knight of the Illustrious Order of Saint Janu...