Vincenzo Vela

THE LAST DAYS OF NAPOLÉON BY

1867

Infused with a crisp modernity and subtle sensuality, this bronze sculpture by Cuban-born artist Agustin Cárdenas is an exceptional example of late-2...

Studio of Raffaello Romanelli Early 20th Century Italian Clio Inscribed "Executé sous la Direction du Prof. Romanelli" (on base) Marble Clio, the muse of history from Greek mytho...

Masquerade, a traditional yet playful composition by Fortunato Galli, reflects the realism and intricacy that defined Italian sculpture at the end of the 19th century. Magnificently ...

This monumental bust is a museum-quality example of Roman Baroque sculpture. Crafted by the legendary Domenico Guidi and carved from Carrara marble, the impressive portrait captures the visage of Pope Innocent XI, Benedetto Odescalchi (1611-1689). It presents a larger-than-life example of Guidi’s remarkable skill as a sculptor, which ultimately made his workshop one of the most important in Rome during his age. Today, his works are rarely found on the market, particularly his extraordinary works in marble. Pope Innocent XI was born Benedetto Odescalchi into an Italian noble family of prominent bankers. Spending his early years in banking, he eventually turned to the law, earning his doctorate in 1639. His background would serve him well in his service to the papacy, and he became known as a frugal and devout member of the Church. In 1676, he was unanimously elected Pop after the death of Clement X. During his nearly 13-year reign, he instilled his own personal ideals of austerity and frugality onto the Church, with a deep commitment to reform and piety. He is captured here by Guidi in his traditional Pope’s mozzetta and camauro cap. A wide stole is draped over his shoulders, ornamented by acanthus leaves and the coat of arms of the Odescalchi family. It displays Guidi’s mastery over the chiaroscuro effect, particularly in the high level of contrast in his cheeks and his eyes, which Guidi achieved through various methods of high polish. A very similar portrait sculpture of Pope Innocent XI by Guidi can be found in the collection of the Royal Castle in Warsaw. The Warsaw bust belongs to a series of portraits of popes which the Odescalchi family commissioned from Domenico Guidi in the 1690s. Compared to that example, the present bust is far more dramatic, with deeper cut lines and a more precise expression. It is likely that the present piece was seen by the Odescalchi family, who ordered a similar one to be made. The piece was almost certainly intended to be displayed in a niche, given its dramatic cutting and its roughly carved back. Others of Guidi’s busts can be found in important collections throughout Italy, England and the United States, though many of these are lesser bronze repetitions. A bronze bust of the Pope Alexander VIII by Guidi is currently in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum (London), while a terracotta version of the same is in the Los Angeles County Museum. A bronze of Pope Alexander VIII can be found in the Princely Collection of Lichtenstein, and his impressive marble papal bust of Clement IX graces the pope’s tomb in Santa Maria Maggiore. The present bust of Pope...

White marble, set on a shallow white marble plinth Signed “J. Gott, Ft.” Known for his unconventional, almost light-hearted, approach to his subjects, Joseph Gott offers his own interpretation of the character of Little Red Riding Hood in this magnificent marble statue. One of Gott’s finest and most charming works, the intricately carved piece epitomizes his unpretentious nature and affinity for more directly human, accessible themes. Gott’s vision of Riding Hood is the picture of purity and naturalness, seemingly captured just moments before her fateful lupine encounter. Dressed in classical costume, she is tinged with a slight sensuality, yet recalls age-old ideals and standards. Originally from Leeds, England, Joseph Gott began to explore his art at an early age. He studied in London from 1798-1802, under celebrated sculptor and Wedgwood designer John Flaxman. He entered the Royal Academy Schools in 1805, winning a silver medal in 1806 and gold medals in 1807 and 1819. He went to Rome in about 1822, encouraged and sponsored by Sir Thomas Lawrence. Rome was to be Gott’s base for the rest of his life, sending works home to be exhibited in the Royal Academy. Gott also exhibited at the British Institution and at the Paris Exhibition in 1855, and commissioned a number of monuments. A contemporary of John Gibson and Richard James Wyatt...

Ivor Roberts-Jones 1916-1996 British Sir Winston Churchill Artist Proof Bronze with a green patina One of the greatest leaders of the modern world, Winston Churchill is among the...

Fine Grand Tour bronze sculpture of mercury flying on the wind after Giambologna. Polished rouge marble and bronze attached base. Green marble pedestal. Inscribed Jean de Bologne...

Master sculptor Harold Castor created this realistic depiction of the Pioneer Woman seeking new land and opportunity in the American West with her two ch...

Bill Starke's "At Last" is a limited edition, bronze sculpture created by Bill Starke depicting a male figure with out-stretched arms. ( 3/85 ) About the artist: Human beings int...

Kimiko by Gary Alsum Bronze ed/7, 54x19x20", comes with 3" high, 24" diameter sandstone round base as pictured in the garden images. Young woman in traditional attire holding an fan. Ideal scale for a garden setting. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Taking the knowledge passed on from artists such as Fritz White, Glenna Goodacre...

Cast gilt bronze by Ferdinand Barbedienne from Mark Antokolskii, Paris, 1883 The rockwork base inscribed ANTOCOLSKY Mark Matveievich Antokolskii was born in Vilna, the son of a Jewish inn-keeper. Initially trained as an engraver, he studied sculpture at the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg under Pimenov. In the capital, Antokolskii mixed with the leading representatives of Russian culture: Shishkin, Vasnetsov, Kramskoi, Stasov and became a friend of Repin's. In 1871, after graduating from the Academy, Antokolskii's ill health forced him to go abroad...

"Classical theme of a Greek art inspires me. I am a big fan of a Greek mythology, so I depict it often". This sculpture shows beautiful woman in wet fabrics that emphasize body curve...