Unknown

Pair Of Tang Dynasty Horses

Circa 7th-10th century CE

The legendary Greek god Perseus is the subject of this elegant half-bust by Ubaldo Gandolfi, a major painter and sculptor from Bologna. The son of Zeus and Danaë, Perseus was the le...

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...

Émile Pinedo 1840-1916 French Bronze Reliefs of Minerva and Mars Bronze These exceptional bronze reliefs depicting the Roman deities Minerva and Mars represent the pinnacle of 19...

Ivor Roberts-Jones 1916-1996 British Sir Winston Churchill Memorial Bronze This exceptional and iconic sculpture of Sir Winston Churchill is the original maquette for the renowne...

PABLO PICASSO (1881-1973) Colombe de la Paix, June 7th, 1954 Unique piece Oval plate in white earthenware, painted and glazed, green and blue 18 x 22 cm Signed and dated on the front : 7 juin 54 ; Stamped on the back : Madoura Plein Feu Certificate of authenticity issued by the Picasso Committee Pablo Picasso, a visionary of the 20th century, left an indelible artistic legacy through a diverse array of creations that transcend the boundaries of the traditional. In 1954, already recognized for his artistic and political commitment, Picasso created "La Colombe de la Paix," a piece in the form of an oval dish in white earthenware, beautifully adorned with a decor in shades of green and blue, creating a harmonious contrast on a white enamel background. Among his emblematic works, this piece stands out for its unique and symbolic character. Part of a series of 13 plates designed for dignitaries at the XIIIth Congress in June 1954, this unique piece allows Picasso to convey a message of peace that spans generations. The story of Picasso's Dove of Peace...

White earthenware ceramic pitcher painted in black, white and grey patina with knife engraving and partial brushed glaze. Inscribed 'Edition Picasso' in black and with the Edition P...

PABLO PICASSO Trois poissons sur fond gris (A.R. 396), April 11th, 1957 Ed. 76/175 pcs Red earthenware clay, decoration in engobes, knife engraved, decorated back D. 41 cm I D. 16 1/...

PABLO PICASSO Joueur de diaule (A.R. 1), 1947 Ed. 195/200 pcs White clay with coloured engobe and incised decoration under yellow glaze 32 x 39 x 4.5 cm I 12 5/8 x 15 3/8 x 1 3/4 in...