19th Century Figurative Sculptures

Large, Neapolitan, late 19th Century hardwood sculpture of a camel. Artist unknown. A beautifully patinated hardwood sculpture. The sculpture is extremely charming and having been handled for over a century has a lovely warm and tactile patina. It is particularly nice too see the work of the craftsperson in the adze and chisel marks along the body of the sculpture. The Italians and most notably the area around Naples has a long and storied tradition in the creation of sculptures for Nativity Scenes. This camel is both an endearing item and a piece of social history. A wonderful addition in its own right to the traditional Christmas scene, by tradition this sculpture was used as a maquette for the production of papier-maché models used in Christmas Creches which have such a long tradition in Italy and throughout the world. Wonderfully carved this piece was used to create hollow models out of papier-maché which were more affordable for this Christmas tradition. Hundreds of strips of papier-maché would be layered onto the figure in all directions. Then using a sharp tool the papier-maché was pushed into all the crevices of the sculpture to give it crisp detail. Once the layers of paper were dry the papier-maché was cut at certain points and lifted off the sculpture. Then finally the resulting body parts were glued back together, painted and patinated ready to be placed in the crèche scene. In the Christian tradition, a nativity scene (also known as a manger scene...

Pair of antique French Moroccan figures cold painted over spelter with striking detail, colorfully dressed and ready for action with one holding a rifle.

Presenting a magnificent early Art Nouveau bronze by Belgian artist Jef Lambeaux(1852-1908.) “Leda and the Swan”, is an original Art Nouveau Bronze,...

Elephant walking Bronze statue of a "large Indian elephant walking" after Rembrandt Bugatti (Italian, 1884-1916). This bronze was cast using the...

Randolph John Rogers (American, 1825 - 1892) Randolph Rogers' Nydia, the Blind Flower Girl of Pompeii debuted in 1856 to critical and public acclaim, solidifying Rogers’ position as a pre-eminent American sculptor and it remains one of the artist’s most celebrated works today. The subject of Nydia is drawn from Edward Bulwer-Lytton's The Last Days of Pompeii 1834. After touring the ruins of the ancient city in 1833, and inspired by the stories of blinding volcanic ash, he composed the tale of Nydia, a slave who led her master, Glaucus, to safety. Rogers depicts Nydia at the moment that she and Glaucus have become separated in their perilous journey through the rubble and Nydia seeks familiarity in the surrounding chaos, her distress evident in her pained expression. The grace of the sculpture is at odds with the turmoil portrayed; a toppled Corinthian capital lies at her feet and obstructs her next step, indicated by the tilt of her back foot and grip on her walking stick. Examples of this model can be found in major American collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Literature, Millard F Rogers, Jr. Randolph Rogers, American Sculptor in Rome. University of Massachusetts Press, 1971, American Figurative Sculpture in the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1986. Joyce K Schiller. "Nydia, A Forgotten Icon of the Nineteenth Century." Bulletin of the Detroit Institute of Arts, Born in Waterloo, New York, Randolph John Rogers became an expatriate* sculptor of idealized figures, portraits, and commemorative works in Neo-Classical* and Realist* styles. He worked in clay, plaster, marble and bronze, and lived both in Italy and the United States. He made 167 examples of Nydia in two sizes (varies depending on base height) 36" and 54'. Rogers was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and as a young man did woodcuts* for the local newspaper, The Michigan Argus, and also worked as a baker's assistant and a dry goods clerk. In 1847, he moved to New York City, where he hoped to find work as an engraver*, but failing to do so, worked in a dry goods store owned by John Steward...

The Birth of Venus by Albert-Ernest CARRIER-BELLEUSE (1824-1887) Bronze sculpture with dual patina, nuanced dark brown and gilded patina signed "A. Carrier-Belleuse" France circa ...

Antique Bronze Miniature Barnyard Scene (Cow, Sheep & Goat) Christophe Fratin (France, 1801-1864) Sand cast bronze 5 3/4 x 4 1/4 x 2 1/4 inches Highly refined and sensitively modeled miniature bronze representing a small herd of cattle, sheep and cattle on the terrace. Despite its small size, this bronze offers a complete view of a small herd of livestock: a bull is lying in a landscape near a sheep and a goat climbing a tree above a rocky mound. Here we find the skillful hand of the animalier sculptor Christophe Fratin (French, 1801-1864), immensely famous in the 19th century for his thoughtfully crafted animal...

The Birth of Venus by Albert-Ernest CARRIER-BELLEUSE (1824-1887) Bronze sculpture with nuanced dark brown patina signed "A. Carrier-Belleuse" cast by Denière France circa 1870 he...

Raffaello Romanelli 1856 - 1928 Raffaello e Fornarina signed Raffaello Romanelli Firenze and inscribed Raffaello et Fornarina marble height 38 in.; 96.5cm. diameter 16 in.; ...

A Monumental, Richly Patinated Bronze Bust of Beethoven by Gaston Veuvenot Leroux (1854-1942) & Eugène Blot, Fondeur This magnificent sculpture powerfully captures the iconic compos...

Untitled #10 (female bust), 2016 from Los Infortunios De La Virtud series Antique porcelain bust with the intervention of oil, gold, silver, lea...

A stunning bronze bust "Le Rieur Napolitain" by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1827–1875), a master of 19th-century French sculpture. This piece captures the joyful expression of a young Neapolitan boy, reflecting Carpeaux’s signature realism and dynamic movement. Details: Artist: Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux Title: Le Rieur Napolitain (The Laughing Neapolitan) Material: Bronze Dimensions: Height 27 cm, Width 19 cm, Depth 12 cm Period: 19th century Condition: Good, with a beautiful natural patina Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1827–1875) was a leading French sculptor of the 19th century, known for his ability to infuse lifelike movement and emotional depth into his works. Le Rieur Napolitain (The Laughing Neapolitan) is a striking example of his dynamic and expressive style, embodying his fascination with naturalism and human vitality. This bust is part of Carpeaux’s series of Neapolitan figures...

A very fine large, rare and charming, French, 19th century. Belle Époque carved white marble whimsical figural urn fountain depicting children climbing on an urn with flowers and gar...

Paul Eugene Mengin (French, 1853-1937) A female figural bronze statue of a soprano mandolin player. Rendered beautifully, the soft folds and drapes of her clothing and hair are cri...

Antique Bronze Dog Sculpture Chihuahua "La Petite Belle Lydie" Charles Valton (French, 1851-1918) Circa 15 1/2 x 10 1/4 x 7 Lydie is a Chihuahua making her a very rare image from ...

A Monumental Gilt-Lacquered Bronze Ornamental Buddha Sculpture of Vajravidarana: A Masterpiece of Sino-Tibetan Craftsmanship, Late 19th Century, Qing Dynasty This monumental gilt-lacquered bronze ornamental sculpture of Vajravidarana is an extraordinary and commanding piece of art, showcasing the pinnacle of Sino-Tibetan craftsmanship from the late 19th century. The figure of Vajravidarana, a powerful purification deity in Tibetan Buddhism, is meticulously sculpted to embody both spiritual authority and artistic excellence. Vajravidarana is primarily known for his role in removing spiritual impurities and negativities. Unlike other deities associated with wisdom or compassion, Vajravidarana’s function is centered on purification and healing. He is typically depicted holding a vajra and a bell, symbolizing the cutting away of delusions and the resonance of divine truth. In this striking sculpture, Vajravidarana is shown holding a vishva vajra (the double vajra), a unique and powerful variation of the traditional iconography, which signifies ultimate protection and the dispelling of negative karma. Vajravidarana: The Supreme Purifier and Protector Vajravidarana is revered in Tibetan Buddhism as the deity of spiritual purification, called upon to cleanse practitioners of defilements and negative influences. His vajra represents the indestructibility of truth, while his bell signifies the wisdom that resonates through purification rituals. In this sculpture, the presence of the vishva vajra, or double vajra, enhances his association with supreme protection, ensuring the destruction of all spiritual obstacles and afflictions. The figure’s powerful yet composed expression conveys a sense of unwavering resolve and divine authority. His posture, along with the carefully sculpted details of his robes and ornaments, highlights his function as a guardian against impurity. The inclusion of the vishva vajra rather than the usual single vajra reinforces his role as a supreme protector, capable of dispelling all forms of negativity and restoring balance. Symbolism of the Mantras and Aureole: Unlike deities that embody wisdom through duality, Vajravidarana’s iconography is centered on purification and exorcism. The aureole surrounding him is inscribed with sacred purification mantras rather than depictions of a consort. These mantras emphasize his function as a remover of obstacles and impurities, reinforcing his role in Buddhist healing rituals. The presence of the sacred inscriptions elevates the sculpture’s spiritual significance, making it a focal point for meditation and ritual purification. Practitioners often visualize Vajravidarana radiating purifying light, dissolving afflictions and negative karma. This theme is mirrored in the sculptural repetition of the purification symbols on the aureole, reinforcing the deity’s role as a divine cleanser. Gilt-Lacquered Bronze: The Artistry of Sino-Tibetan Metalwork: The craftsmanship of this monumental figure reflects the expertise of late 19th-century Sino-Tibetan metalwork, where traditional Tibetan themes were infused with Chinese artistic sensibilities. Cast in bronze and finished with a rich gilt lacquer, the statue has an otherworldly glow, giving it an ethereal, almost divine presence. The gilding process—applied with exceptional skill—gives the sculpture a striking luminosity that enhances the fine details of the facial features, flowing robes, jewelry, and other elements of the deity’s attire. The technique employed to create this figure speaks to the high level of craftsmanship that flourished during the late Qing Dynasty and early modern Tibetan art. The ornate details of the robes and the fine texture of the sculpture highlight the exceptional skill of the artisans who brought this work to life. The use of gold and lacquer not only reflects the preciousness of the sculpture but also its spiritual significance as an object meant to inspire reverence and meditation. An Ornamental Sculpture of Monumental Scale: Unlike smaller devotional objects, this sculpture is designed as an ornamental masterpiece, intended to make a grand visual and spiritual statement. Its monumental size allows it to dominate any space, offering a commanding presence that is both physically and symbolically impressive. In Buddhist practice, large sculptures of this nature are often placed in temples or meditation halls, where their imposing size and serene presence would encourage contemplation and devotion. The grand scale of the statue further amplifies the spiritual power it is meant to convey. As a representation of Vajravidarana, it is not only a physical object of beauty but also a conduit for meditation, purification, and enlightenment. The scale of the sculpture also emphasizes the divine stature of the deity, highlighting his importance in the Buddhist tradition as the ultimate force for spiritual cleansing and protection. Provenance: Acquired in China in circa 1900 1905 Private Buddhist Temple, Northeast, USA Private Sale Solomon Treasure...

Orientalist African Hunter Leaning on His Shield Black Forest, School Switzerland  19th century Carved Wood 21 inches This is an exceptionally beautifu...

Antique Bronze Dog Portrait of a Terrier Pierre-Albert Laplanche (French, 1826-1873) Signed in script to base "Laplanche" Stamped "E.V 3753" 8 x 2.75 x 8 1/4 inches This is a super...

Carved Carrara marble bust of Augustus Caesar. Italian grand tour. Mid 19th century. #roman classical greek sculpture not signed . rare. museum paris

Henri Honoré Plé (1853 Paris - 1922 Paris), The Victorious David, around1890. Red-brown and brown patinated bronze with terrain plinth mounted on a round base. 42 cm (total height) x...

Jan Jozef Jaquet (1822 Antwerp - 1898 Brussels), Psyche, 1847. Black-brown and brown patinated bronze on a cast base. 30 cm (height) x 22 cm (width) x 12 cm (depth), weight 5 kg. Ver...

Signed: A. Carrier-Belluese Two large bronze matching busts of an unknown male and female 22 x 10 x 11" male 23 x 10 x 9" female Both show signs of wear with their age but are in fa...

Antique Bronze Portrait of a Draft Horse Isidore Jules Bonheur (France, 1827-1901) Circa 1840s Cast bronze mounted on a rectangular plinth atop a marble s...

Eugène Marioton französisch, 1854 - 1933 Muscular Nude Male Bronze Eugene Marioton - Bronze Statue, um 1900 A handsome and very fit partially draped young nude male with rippling mu...

Capturing a climactic moment from Shakespeare’s famed tragedy, this exquisite marble sculpture was created by acclaimed Italian sculptor Fausto Biggi in t...

MATHURIN MOREAU (French, 1822-1912) Signed: ‘Mat. Moreau, hors concours’ 19th Century 31 1/2 in. x 15 in.

Adolphe Jean Lavergne (1863-1928), Pecheur, c. 1900. Brown patinated bronze with rectangular cast plinth on a green marble base (3 cm high), total height with hinge 37 cm, width 9 cm, depth 8 cm, weight 2.9 kg, signed “Lavergne” on the plinth. - Base with old drilling and a few oxidized areas, patina occasionally rubbed, somewhat stained in the folds. - Full of anticipation - This bronze is the larger, highly detailed version of the fisherman that made Parisian artist Adolphe Jean Lavergne famous. In preparation for fishing, the boy prepares his rod before heading out to sea. The attachment of the iron ring and the rope behind him suggest a quay wall and a boat moored there. However, the depiction is entirely focused on the actual action of the young fisherman: With equal skill and concentration, he bends a hook to connect it to the fishing line. The contrast with his casual clothing, the loose-fitting trousers, the open shirt with its "wild" folds, and, last but not least, the sun hat boldly perched on his neck, reinforces the impression of the attentive care with which he goes about his work. His gaze makes him appear absorbed, as if he has forgotten the world around him and yet he is visibly filled with anticipation of fishing. GERMAN VERSION Adolphe Jean Lavergne (1863-1928), Pecheur, um 1890. Braun patinierte Bronze mit rechteckiger gegossener Plinthe auf grünem Marmorsockel (3 cm Höhe), Gesamthöhe mit Angel 37 cm, Breite 9 cm, Tiefe 8 cm, Gewicht 2,9 kg, auf der Plinthe mit „Lavergne“ signiert. - Sockel mit alter Bohrung und wenigen oxidierten Stellen, Patina mitunter berieben, in den Falten vereinzelt etwas fleckig. - Voller Vorfreude - Die Bronzefigur ist die größere äußerst detaillierte Ausführung des Fischers, mit dem der Pariser Künstler Adolphe Jean Lavergne bekannt geworden ist. In Vorbereitung auf das Fischen präpariert der Junge die Angel...

Antoine-Louis BARYE (1796-1875) Tiger surprising an antelope Bronze with nuanced dark greenish brown patina Signed on the base " Barye " Cast by Barye's own workshop (conducted in t...

Achille Chainaye (Belgian, 1852-1915) "Dancer" Gilt Bronze Sculpture, late 19th century, cast by H. Luppens & Co., Brussels, depicting a corset-wearing dancer balancing on a sphere, ...

A fine antique French gilt bronze sculpture of a swordsmith, by the French- Polish artist & sculptor Henryk II Kossowski (1855-1921), the bronze dating to 1890. The bronze depicts a ...

Augustus Saint-Gaudens Jules Bastien LePage Bronze 14 1/4 x 10 1/8 inches Augustus Saint-Gaudens was born in 1848 in Dublin, Ireland. His father, Bern...

Antique bronze sculpture of male nude reading a letter or proclamation. Marble base, 19th century. Unsigned.

A fabulous and rare large 19th century Bombay Pottery Charger from the J J School of Art, depicting scenes of Buddha from the Ajanta caves. Bombay Scho...

19th century French finely chiseled bronze figure of Hermes . Signed Pigalle G . Cuspinera Hermes , the messenger of the gods, is sitting on a rock, ready to leap up. He is att...

MATHURIN MOREAU French, (1822-1914) Silvered Bronze Figure of Psyche Silvered bronze; Signed ‘Moreau Mathurin’ 30 3/8 x 15 x 13 inches

Emile Laporte French, (1858-1907) Tyrtée or Tyrtaeus Bronze, signed Height: 19 inches (48.5cm) Width: 7.5 inches (19cm) Depth: 6 inches (15cm) Emile Laporte was born in Paris on Nov...

Pair of 19' century Italian Marble imitation painted Terracotta . Bust of Emperor Caracalla and Cicero . Measurements : cm 71 H x 60 Available also a pair marble imitation colum...

This charming figurine from Meissen Porcelain is of a cat with a captured mouse in his mouth, seated on its haunches, its left forepaw raised to strike the mouse dangling from its mo...

A maiden holding a lute leaning on a tree trunk dappled with english ivy and cattails, all surmounted on a rouge royal marble base. Beautifully cast, crisp details. Artist: Adrien ...

A powerful presentation piece, this stunning bust of Jean Bécu - Comtesse du Barry is both beautiful and tragic. Executed in terracotta that has been...

Jean Didier Debut: 1824-1893. Well listed 19th century French sculptor. He has had auction results over $17,000. We believe this fabulous bronze gladiator to be very rare as we could...

Marble sculpture depicting a detailed portrait of the Roman Empress Julia Domna, sculpted by a master Roman sculptor in red marble and mounted on a square white marble base with a ce...

Important patinated plaster bust representing the Faun of Vienna. the original of which is in the collections of the Louvre museum (marble statue discovered in Vienna in 1820 and dat...

Zebu and Python by Henri-Alfred JACQUEMART (1824-1896) Bronze group with nuanced brown patina signed on the base " A. Jacquemart " old cast France circa 1870 height 35,5 cm length...

Presenting an extraordinary Large and Exceptional Japanese Meiji Period Tokyo School Bronze Sculpture depicting a delightful ensemble of six energe...

Roman driver on his chariot by Emmanuel Fremiet (1824-1910) Bronze group with its original nuanced green patina signed on the base " E. Fremiet " cast by More France circa 1880 hei...

Scultore attivo probabilmente in Francia alla fine del XIX secolo. La scultura raffigura un soggetto particolarmente famoso di Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1827-1875), intitolato "Le Rieu...

Louis-Ernest Barrias (1841-1905) "The Hunt. Impressive bronze sculpture with brown patina, 98 cm tall. Signature "E. Barrias" on the rock; "F. Barbedienne fondeur Paris" and mechanic...

Grand tour bronze sculpture of the "Crouching Venus" after the antique. Fine patina. 19th century. Ferdinand Barbedienne (French, 1821-1902). not signed . rare. museum...

Henry IV child, King of France, after the original from Francois Joseph Bosio (1768-1845). Bronze, silver plated.

Émile-Edmond Peynot, (French, 1850 -1932) An exceptional, exquisite and rare orientalist bronze sculpture titled Albaya' El Tunsi / The Tunisian Merchant / The Arab rifleman. Dep...

A very fine museum quality Italian 19th-20th century life-size marble sculpture titled "Searching for Love" by Vito Pardo (Italian, born in Venice in 1872) Depicting a semi-nude life...

Rare and Important Italian White Marble Bust Sculpture of Jesus Christ, C. 1850 A truly exceptionally carved marble relief of Holy Jesus Christ. Ver...

Female Painter's Manikin Mid-1800s jointed and articulated, life-size Italian sculpture, 167 cm tall 66 Inches, made of beech wood with traces of lacquer preparation. This extraordi...

The Secret by Pierre-Félix FIX-MASSEAU (1869-1937) Sculpture in bronze with a gilded patina Signed on the side " Fix-Masseau " Cast by " Siot-Paris " (with the foundry mark) France...

A very good antique Neo-Classical bronze of a Bacchante or Maenad, by Spanish sculptor Gustave Obiols Delgado (1858-1902). The sculpture circa 1890. This large & very attractive, fin...

Large French Neoclassical sculpture of Androcles and the Lion. Exceptional quality casting and patina. Mid 19th century. The runaway slave ...

Antonio Tantardini (Italian, 1829-1879) An extraordinary Italian 19th century life size carved Carrara white marble sculpture of "A Young Child and a baby in a wicker crib" - A Risorgimento Allegory. Signed and dated: A.nio Tantanrdini F.ce / 1863. The older child's medallion inscribed with an interlocked XV and Garibaldi, the crib monogrammed: AR. Circa: Florence, 1863. This sculpture includes a recent custom-made veined black marble pedestal stand. (The 2 items description mean the sculpture and pedestal, which are sold as sold a set.) In a country famed for its skilled carvers and working in an age when virtuoso carving technique was highly prized, Antonio Tantardini was one of the very best exponents of master carvers in nineteenth century Italy. Vicario describes Tantardini's skill as 'un abilità tecnica stupefacente'. The present amazing quality marble group epitomizes Tantardini's exceptional talents as a carver. Lesser sculptors might have shied away from attempting to carve a life-size wicker crib in marble, but Tantardini has clearly relished the Challenge. The result is a stunning achievement of verismo Italian sculpture. This marble group, however, is more than a paradigm of Italian marble carving, it is also a prime example of the use of Risorgimento allegory in Italian sculpture of the 1860s. Famous sculptural Risorgimento allegories include Raffaelle Monti...

This highly evocative bronze by Vincenzo Vela captures the deposed Emperor Napoléon on his deathbed, holding a map of Europe and lost in thought about what might have been. Remarkable among most portrayals of the exiled leader, this highly detailed sculpture depicts Napoléon at his most vulnerable. Nonetheless, Vela perfectly captures his still-heroic bearing, which imparts to this work a monumental quality and quiet dignity. The mate to this figure is the colossal marble at the Musée du Château de Malmaison, which was shown at the Paris Salon of 1867. The founder of the verismo movement in Italy, Vela was one of the great exponents of realism in sculpture. Born in Ligornetto, Switzerland in 1820, he studied under celebrated sculptor, Benedetto Cacciatori. He was also influenced both by the work of Tuscan sculptor Lorenzo Bartolini, who seamlessly combined neoclassicism with naturalism and the romantic painting of Francesco Hayez...

Turkish Horse by Antoine-Louis Barye (1796-1875) "Cheval turc, antérieur gauche levé, terrasse carrée" Bronze sculpture with a nuanced dark brown patina Signed " Barye " on the base...