879 results for "antiquity"

This small but superbly painted Neck Amphora is attributed to the Light-Make Class. It's central scene is decorated with an armored hoplite wearing greaves and a Corinthian helmet. H...

Attributed to the Manner of The Antimenes Painter. Side A features bearded Dionysos at the centre, with his head turned back, clad in a himation with a patterned border over an ankl...

French Iznik-inspired ceramic decorative plate by Édouard Cazaux (circa 1930s). Master ceramicist, Édouard Cazaux was inspired by antiquities, religion and animal life in his creatio...

This decorative amphora, produced in Italy in the early 20th century, draws inspiration from the celebrated traditions of ancient Greek pottery. Crafted in terracotta and finished wi...

An imposing vessel, this hydria is designed around a central panel depicting the wedding procession of Peleus and Thetis. The couple stands together in a quadriga, the groom controll...

A very fine Grand Tour bronze study of the famous Venus de Milo with excellent rich brown patina and good hand finished surface detail. The casting is unusual in that it does not pretend to hide the many imperfections on the original. It is signed on the base with "Reduction Mechanique Ronald Collas, and for the foundry F.Barbidienne Fondeur. Foundry stamp on the base Considered by any to be the most beautiful Hellenistic statue to survive fro antiquity, the Venus of Milos...

A large, 28“ high, modernist, biomorphic, Mother & Child, stone sculpture, mid-20th century. Artist unknown. Private Collection. This marble sculpture is equally striking displaye...

Huge Han Dynasty Terracotta figure Of A Court Lady. TL Test conducted by Ralf Kotalla Laboratory in Germany. Report included. Height: 29...

Parisian Grandeur: A Pair of French Architectural Porcelain Vases, Late 19th Century This distinguished pair of late 19th-century French porcelain vases represents a classic fusion...

This exceptional and elegantly composed tear shaped Corinthian Alabastron is a standout for the type. The complex decorative scheme is centered around a standing figure of the winge...

This beautifully polished lunar meteorite fragment is a precious but powerful display piece, offering both extraterrestrial provenance and striking natural beauty. This specimen is f...

AFTER MICHELANGELO OF ANTIQUITY Grand Tour Model of Giuliano de Medici from the Medici Chapel in Florence Patinated sand-cast bronze numbered on the back corner "5505", otherwise u...

Nicely carved bust. With round socle base. A celebrated sculpture from classical antiquity.

Spectacular pair of Griffin (lion) motif French architectural 23k giltwood Boiserie relief mirrored panels. Each panel is expertly detailed with carved griffins flanking a floral urn...

This hand-carved Malachite box is a striking decorative accent that merges natural mineral artistry with elegant design. Crafted from a solid piece of genuine Malachite and weighing ...

Decorate a lady's office or a library shelf with this fine antiquity. Crafted in France circa 1880, this elegant bronze sculpture titled “La Cruche Cassée” (The Broken Pitcher), fea...

Fine Costa Rican Jade Axe God, Guanacaste-Nicoya region, ca. A.D. 1-1500 Of celt form depicting the mythical part human- part avian figure, with circular eyes...

EUGENE MARIOTON French, 1857-1933 "Vainqueur" Dark-brown patinated bronze signed "E. Marioton", foundry cachet for Siot-Decauville, cold-stamped D718 cast circa 1910 stock ref. ...

Roman Marble Fragment of jupiter Circa 2nd-3rd Century A.D. Measure: Height: 19.7 cm This beautiful Roman fragmentary statuette depicts Jupiter, the king of the gods, here recognisable from his two chief attributes, the eagle with outstretched wings - according the Pseudo-Hyginus, singled out by Jupiter because ''it alone, men say, strives to fly straight into the rays of the rising sun'' - and the base of the scepter, which remains at the side of the left foot, an aspect likely borrowed from the statue of Zeus at Olympia, once one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Though much of the original piece has been lost, the subtle anatomical detail in the feet mark this out as a piece of exceptional quality, and the work of an artist of particular talent and patience - as Johann Winckelmann once said of the famous Belvedere Torso, ''if you contemplate this with a quiet eye [...] the god will at once become visible in this stone.'' This fragment once caught the eye of Henry Howard, 4th Earl of Carlisle (1694-1758), a Knight of the Garter and among the most prolific collectors of his day. The piece, acquired during his travels to Rome, was proudly displayed on an alcove of the Western Staircase of Castle Howard...

An exquisite pair of floral dioramas, crafted with a meticulous composition of seashells, conch shells, and mother-of-pearl, arranged in the form of three-dimensional floral bouquets...

Art deco sculpture in silvered bronze, "Swallow in flight". Signed Ruchot with founder's stamp Marcel Guillemard, stamped "Bronze". On a black marble base, note a shine on the marble...

This striking mantel clock is a fine example of the Empire style, a period characterized by its grandeur and inspiration from classical antiquity. The clock showcases a masterful com...

In Greek mythology, Medusa, was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human females with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed into her eyes would turn to stone. Medusa was beheaded by the Greek hero...

One of a set of beautiful ceramics from Ciboure Pottery, this vase is inspired by antiquity—evident in its form, its spare coloring, and its stylized depiction of classic imagery.

This exceptional specimen of fossilised dinosaur skin preserves the hexagonal scales of a Brachylophosaurus (‘short-crested lizard’), giving us a rare snapshot of life 80 million yea...

Elegant set of four marble busts representing Roman emperors, hand-carved in Italy from various colored marbles. Each sculpture showcases individual facial features, classical attire...

Of beautiful rich, translucent alabaster, banded with creamy hightlights, this sizeable vessel is of exceptional quality. The cylindrical squat piriform body tapers to a flat base, ...

La Murrina Murano Glass Amphora Vase with Scavo Decoration – Signed This Murano glass vase by La Murrina is a fine example of postwar Venetian glass design, distinguished by its amp...

Exquisite solitary vase in baluster form on a broad round foot, conically widening wall, strong shoulders around a short neck with a slightly flared rim, colourless glass with milky ...

This is a white glazed and black clay raku fired ceramic bust. Though modern, this sculpture references Classical Greek and Roman antiquities. A subtle red glaze is used on the lips and the artist has purposefully and mysteriously left a portion around the neck between the head and the chest free of glaze, exposing the black clay beneath. The cracking on the surface is a result of the raku firing process and intended to be there. Pavel Amromin George, 2017 raku fired ceramic 17H x 15W x 9D in 43.18H x 38.10W x 22.86D cm Pavel G. Amromin Exhibitions 2017 SOFA: Sculpture, Objects, Functional Art, Gallery Victor Armendariz, Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 2009 Pavel Amromin: Adventure Bound, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA SOFA: Sculpture, Objects, Functional Art, New York, NY 2008 SOFA: Sculpture, Objects, Functional Art, New York, NY 38th Annual Ceramics Exhibition, Crossman Gallery, UW Whitewater, WI 2007 SOFA: Sculpture, Objects, Functional Art, Chicago, IL SOFA: Sculpture, Objects, Functional Art, New York, NY 2006 SOFA: Sculpture, Objects, Functional Art, Chicago, IL The Toy Soldier Collection – MFA Thesis Exhibition, University Gallery, University of Florida, Gainsville, FL 2005 SOFA: Sculpture, Objects, Functional Art, New York, NY 2004 SOFA: Sculpture, Objects, Functional Art, New York, NY SOFA: Sculpture, Objects, Functional Art, Chicago, IL 2003 SOFA...

In Greek mythology, Medusa, was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human females with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed into her eyes would turn to stone. Medusa was beheaded by the Greek hero...

Ferdinando Vichi (Italian, 1875-1945) A fine and lifesize Italian white Carrara marble Greco-Roman figure of the Belvedere Apollo, after the original, now in the Vatican Museum, the Belvedere Apollo has defined the Greek aesthetic ideals of harmony, noble simplicity and quiet grandeur. Apollo is depicted as an archer, having just killed the Python of Delphi. The carved figure displays the tension lingering as if the arrow has just left his bow. Standing on an oval base inscribed: F. Vichi, Firenze, Made in Italy. Florence, circa 1895-1900. Measures: Height 68 inches (192 cm) Width 47 1/4 inches (120 cm) Depth 38 1/2 inches (97.8 cm) Width of base 25 inches (63.5 cm) Former Property of Adolph Henrich Joseph Sutro's famous Cliff House and indoor public swimming establishment, The Sutro Baths...

An exquisite antique French Empire neoclassical gilt bronze figural clock signed by Jouquet a Paris.. This unusual clock is surmounted by a s...

Arnaldo Pomodoro bronze sculpture "medaglia" for Tecno, bronze signed on verso "A Pomodoro" and inscribed " Osvaldo Borsani 1985 Atelier Stefano J...

Beautifully polished lapis lazuli mineral specimen from Afghanistan. This semi-precious stone has been prized since antiquity due to its intense, beautiful blue coloring and golden speckles. It was also used in the fine arts, in a crushed powder form, as a component of artist's pigments and, as such, was the most expensive pigment during the Renaissance period. Lapis Lazuli Specimen...

Bronze Figure of Narcissus Italy, late 19th century After the Antique Cast in bronze with a rich light verdigris patina, this finely modeled figure represents Narcissus, the beaut...

Figural mantel clock signed “Al. dre Destape Palais Royal” The bronze figural mantel clock depicting one of the mythical heroes - Orpheus originates from the Empire period. The cloc...

Etched and enameled glass vase, France, circa 1905. Etched signature to side: Daum Nancy 3501 with the cross of Lorraine. Provenance: private collection.

A beautifully preserved example, this askos features a globular body defined by two vertical spouts and a conjoined ribbed handle in between. The whole of the body is decroated with ...

This rare -- perhaps unique -- enameled cigarette case or compact features a cartouche with a kneeling Egyptian figure surrounded by symbols and hieroglyphics on its lid, all in tone...

IMPORTANT PAIR OF BUSTS OF PYTHAGORAS AND EPICURUS Circa late 18th century Attributed to the workshop of Giacomo and Giancarlo Zoffoli Unsigned, black and green patina with gilt bron...

Exceptional bust of a woman, probably made in 19th century Italy, in patinated bronze, and following a neoclassical style. The head of "Flora" appears resting on a quadrangular base ...

One of a set of beautiful ceramics from Ciboure Pottery, this piece is inspired by antiquity—evident in its form, its spare coloring, and its depiction of classical figures. Executed...

This bronze-toned figure captures the poised intensity of a classical warrior, frozen in the moment before launching his spear. Wearing only a crested Corinthian helmet and loincloth...

Chinese bronze vase, Gu, the trumpet-shaped upper section cast with four blades filled with archaic designs. Center and lower sections depicting Toadies with very intricate backgroun...

This pair of vases combines cobalt porcelain with finely cast and chased gilt bronze mounts, a synthesis characteristic of neoclassical decorative art. The porcelain bodies are glaze...

A magnificent and exceedingly rare ensemble of twelve “Lotus” pâte-de-verre plates by the French pâte-de-verre master Gabriel Argy-Rousseau, dating from the height of the Art Deco pe...

Palazzo Candle Holder Single -- Stephane Parmentier x Giobagnara Available in printed calfskin, suede, nappa finish. Embracing sleek designs and beautiful materials, the Stephane P...

19th Century Grand Tour Bronze Sculpture of The Dancing Satyr With Cymbals. Satyrs are roguish figures from ancient mythology known for their love of wine, music, and mischief. This ...

A pair of beautiful gilt bronze maidens representing Music and the Art.s Music holds a lyre, known for its use in Greek classical antiquity, in her left hand and is bringing her rig...

Inspired by vessels of antiquity, these vases features ornamentation that evokes friezes found on architecture of ancient Egypt. Crafted and finished by hand, the object has been wor...

A large and unusual 19th century hand-carved Roman bust representing Achilles, executed in polychrome specimen marbles. The figure is shown wearing a crested helmet and classical mil...

A powerful 20th-century cast bronze Expressionist bust, imbued with raw psychological energy and sculptural immediacy. Evocative of The Scream by Edvard Munch, the distorted features...

Parisian Grandeur: A Pair of French Architectural Porcelain Vases, Late 19th Century This distinguished pair of late 19th-century French porcelain vases represents a classic fusion...

Cup-shaped vase, colourless glass with air bubbles (bubbling) and flaky light green powder inclusions in the lower section and rust-coloured inclusions in the upper section, light bl...

This extraordinary First Edition Wedgwood rendering of the legendary Portland Vase is one of the rarest masterpieces of Josiah Wedgwood, the most important ceramics manufacturer of the 18th century. A tour de force of ceramic art, the Portland Vase First Editions are regarded as one of the greatest ceramic accomplishments of the 18th century, and they are a testament to the superior skill of Josiah Wedgwood, his extraordinary ambition and his tireless dedication to perfection. One of the very few First Editions still in private hands, this exceptional Wedgwood Portland Vase is one of the most important works of ceramics on the market. The story of Wedgwood and the Portland Vase is legendary. The original Portland Vase is the ancient world's most famous decorative arts masterpiece—a cameo glass vase dating to circa 25 CE with a frieze representing the myth of Peleus and Thetis, initially thought to be carved from stone. When it was first rediscovered around 1582, it captivated the world with its opaque white cameo figures over its rich blue background. After the vase was excavated it was owned by Cardinal Barberini, whose family later sold it to the Duke of Hamilton who eventually sold it to the Duchess of Portland, from whom the famed vase now takes its name. The famed British sculptor John Flaxman was likely the first to have brought the vase to Wedgwood’s attention. In a letter dated February 5, 1784, he wrote: “I wish you may soon come to town to see William Hamilton’s vase, it is the finest production of Art that has been brought to England and seems to be the very apex of perfection to which you are endeavouring to bring your bisque and jasper…” Indeed, the Portland Vase is a masterpiece of cameo-cutting, with a stunning frieze of opaque white cameo glass over its translucent deep blue form. Its beauty and translucence would inspire Wedgwood to undertake his years-long endeavor to precisely replicate the original in porcelain. Upon closer examination, Wedgwood realized the vase was not made of stone or earthenware, but of cameo glass—a technique so advanced it remains the masterpiece of cameo-cutting. Today, the vase is housed in the British Museum, where it is the second most viewed antiquity, only after the Rosetta Stone. It then took Wedgwood several painstaking years to craft his unparalleled copy of the vase, during which he perfected the jasperware technique that would become his crowning achievement. To this day, the renowned porcelain firm regards the vase as its most momentous triumph, so much so that the vessel’s silhouette is incorporated into the Wedgwood logo. The four years it took Wedgwood to complete his vase were not without tribulations. From the start, Wedgwood encountered numerous problems with his copies, from cracking and blistering to the difficulty of replicating the translucent effects of the original. The first acceptable copy was produced in October 1789 and sent to Wedgwood’s physician and friend Erasmus Darwin, the grandfather of Charles Darwin. Wedgwood presented another copy to Queen Charlotte in May 1790 and afterward organized a private exhibition of the vase at the Portland House in London. The viewing proved so popular that Wedgwood was forced to restrict the show to 1,900 visitors. Much of London wished to see Wedgwood’s greatest major achievement. Perhaps the highest praise of Wedgwood’s copy came from the famed artist Sir Joshua Reynolds, the founder of the British Royal Academy: “I can venture to declare it a correct and faithful imitation, both in regard to the general effect, and the most minute detail of the part.” Over the next few years, Wedgwood's oven records listed 43 First Edition copies of the Portland Vase produced between 1791 and 1796, 11 of which were broken during the firing process. In all, it is believed around 30 First Edition vases were completed, though an unknown number of these were somewhat damaged—one of these imperfect examples is currently held by the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. The perfect examples such as ours have found their way into the most important museum collections in the world. The British Museum (London), Art Institute of Chicago, Birmingham Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Arts (Boston) and the Fitzwilliam Museum (Cambridge, UK), among others, all hold one of these highly coveted vases in their collections. In terms of technical achievement, the First Edition Portland Vases...

Art Nouveau Émile Gallé Dragonfly and Thistles Soliflore (Bud Vase) Multi-Color Enamel over Clear Art Glass Nancy, France Circa 1900 DIMENSIONS Height: 3.25 inches Max. Diameter: 2.75 inches Opening Diameter: 0.75 inches MARKINGS Signed in enamel at the base, bearing the mark “E. Gallé de Nancy.” MATERIALS Multi-color enamel on clear art glass CONDITION Excellent condition, with no chips, cracks, or restorations. ABOUT “The aim of my work is the study of nature, the love of nature's art and the need to express what one feels in one's heart.” – Emile Gallé A rare and exquisite cabinet-sized soliflore by Émile Gallé, exemplifying the highest artistic standards of early French Art Nouveau. The vase displays an exceptional and sculpturally sophisticated form—its body conceived as a sphere discreetly contained within a smaller cube—resulting in sensuously rounded, perfectly balanced contours that are both visually arresting and elegantly understated. The clear glass body is decorated with finely rendered, hand-applied enamels depicting a dragonfly in flight among mountain grasses and thistles—a lyrical theme central to Gallé’s celebration of the natural world. The composition is executed with subtle tonal gradations and refined brushwork, capturing both the delicate movement and the ephemeral beauty of the scene. A museum-quality example, notable for its rare form, poetic decoration, and intimate scale. A superb addition to any serious Art Nouveau or Gallé collection. ABOUT ARTIST Émile Gallé Gallé (French, 1846 – 1904) Emile Galle was a French glass and ceramic designer who combined art and botany. Most of his glass vases are created in Art Nouveau style. Born on May 4, 1846 in Nancy, France, Émile Gallé seemed destined for a career in glassmaking. Nancy was well-established for its glass artistry, and his father, Charles Gallé was an established faïence (ceramic) and glassmaker with his own successful manufactory, the Maison Gallé-Reinemer. It would be here under the guidance of his father that the young Emile began to learn the art of glassmaking while simultaneously indulging his academic interests in philosophy, botany and chemistry. In 1867, Gallé joined his father working full-time at the Maison. Gallé's glasswork, even at its earliest stages, was heavily influenced by nature, with his very first pieces incorporating enameled floral motifs painted upon clear glass. He was an avid botanist his entire life, collecting plants, flowers, and insects from which to study and draw inspiration. He was even elected Secretary-General for Nancy's Société centrale d'horticulture. Gallé traveled throughout Europe studying works at museums and private institutions, gaining insight from ancient glass antiquities to Japonesque masterpieces, and everything in between. It would be Gallé’s trip to the British Museum in 1871 that would alter the course of his art career. Enamored by the famed ancient Roman cameo glass...

A pair of Modern Black and Gold Scavo Murano Glass Vases designed and manufactured by Bucella Cristalli in the Eighties. The two amphora vases have small handles. and decorative ele...

Wax young girl bust sculpture by Mme Arondelle, 2 rue du Louvre, Paris, France, ca.1900. Polychrome wax. After the famous Wax Head from the Lille ...

Napoleone Martinuzzi, Bassotto Giallo (Yellow Dachsund) sculpture, white & gold Venini Murano 1930 Exceedingly rare example of a signed Venini large-scale Dachsund Dog Sculpture by N...