Alcocer Anticuarios Decorative Objects

Completely hand-crafted in 18th century Spain, this sculpture of the Virgin stands 1.5 meters / 5 feet tall and was most certainly created for devotional purposes, to be displayed in a church or chapel. Besides its impressive size this sculpture is an excellent, museum-quality example of the Spanish “Estofado” polychrome technique, developed during the Gothic period to imitate rich brocade fabrics. The finely carved “fabric” areas of the sculpture would be first covered in gesso, and then a layer of gold leaf would be applied. The gold leaf would then be painted over with various colors of tempera paints. Once dry, the painted surface would be incised or scratched away in patterns, revealing the gold beneath. The sculpture was professionally restored in 2022 by a firm that is often hired by the Spanish government to work on historic building interiors and museum pieces. The virgin was carefully cleaned, repaired and its condition stabilized. A complete and fully-illustrated restoration report will be included with purchase. Often confused with the virgin birth of Jesus, the belief that the Blessed Virgin Mary herself was conceived “immaculately” without original sin has been variously defended and debated within the Catholic Church since the pre-Middle Ages. For centuries, artists struggled to create an acceptable visual representation of this highly abstract concept, in part taking inspiration from the Book of Revelation and other scriptural sources. We see the Virgin standing on a half moon (biblically inspired, though also an ancient symbol of chastity) with her long natural hair loose down her back, another indication of purity. Both her white tunic and flowing blue mantle...

The bronze figure is 19th century, made by sculptor Agapito Vallmitjana (1833-1905) who was active in Barcelona, along with his brother Venancio, who was also a sculptor. They were both successful and well-known in their time, and their works are in public places and various collections in Spain, including a beautiful life-size marble Christ...

The term Vieux Paris, or "Old Paris" porcelain does not refer to one particular maker, but is used to describe French porcelain pieces made by one of more than thirty manufacturers o...

Copper containers of varying shapes and sizes have been used in Spanish homes and kitchens for many centuries. Copper and its alloys were particularly popular metals for storing and preparing foodstuffs, not only because they were durable, but because these metals exhibited natural antibacterial properties. This particular jug, most likely made for the storage and serving of liquids such as water or milk, exhibits strong Hispano-Moresque influences. The baluster shape, subtle geometric patterns on the neck, and fitted, domed lid all reference Spanish Arab...

This large size 19th century hand-hammered copper cauldron cook pot with rich chocolate brown patina is paired with a heavy wrought iron tripod. Originally designed to sit directly above the hot coals of a cook fire or fireplace, rich country stews, soups or rice dishes would come to life in this humble cookware. Well-crafted to withstand the punishments of daily use, these rugged items hold great rustic charm, and can easily find functional and decorative uses in a wide variety of interior decor styles. A catchall container for firewood or magazines perhaps, or an interior or exterior planter...

Braziers (known as "braseros" in Spain) were used to heat areas of a home (or castle) by holding burning "picón" or charcoal in its concave bowl. Braziers of various designs have bee...

Copper containers of varying shapes and sizes have been used in Spanish homes and kitchens for many centuries. Copper and its alloys were particularly popular metals for storing and preparing foodstuffs, not only because they were they durable, but because these metals exhibited natural antibacterial properties. This particular jug, most likely made for the storage and serving of liquids such as water or milk, exhibits strong Hispano-Moresque influences. The baluster shape, symmetrical wing-like handles, and fitted, domed lid all reference Spanish Arab...

A matched pair of 19th century porcelain urns with lids, made by Samson Edmé et Cie porcelain, of Paris. Samson opened in 1845 and soon became well-known for making reproductions of ...

Exhibiting the fine design and craftsmanship of French clockmakers Raingo Frères (Raingo Brothers), this impressively large clock, measuring over 1 meter tall ( 3 feet +), is an example of the “Second Rococo” period beginning circa 1830, when the highly ornate "Cartel" style of the early 18th century came back into fashion. The clock is crowned at top center by the figure of a putto or cherub, holding in one hand a dove and the other a garland of flowers. This allegorical figure can represent innocence or purity, and was a popular subject for sculptors of the 19th century. The term "Cartel clock" comes from the French "Pendule à Cartel" meaning roughly "clock in a frame for the wall" - the word "Cartel" meaning in this context "decorative frame". These clocks were almost always made from gilt bronze (also known as "ormolu") and highly decorated. The clock is complete and includes a winding key, and will be checked by our specialist clockmaker to ensure it is functioning properly before shipping. Established in the early 1800s, Raingo Frères was one of the leading makers of precision clocks...

Established in the early 1800s, Raingo Frères (Raingo Brothers) was one of the leading makers of precision clocks and astronomical “orrerey” devices du...

This 19th century Spanish brazier, or "brasero," is made of brass and wood, and was used to heat areas of a home (or castle) by holding burning coals i...

Made in the 19th century, this brightly colored blue and white bowl from Manises, Spain is highly decorative, and it once served the very specific household purpose of holding chestn...

This expressive 18th century marble portrait bust is of Marie-Madeleine Guimard (1743-1816), a successful dancer and one of the most famous courtesans of pre-Revolutionary France. The bust is unsigned, but identical to one in the collection of London's V&A museum carved...

A true museum piece, this beautifully sculptural clock could easily find its home in a traditional environment, or be a functional and explosive counterpoint to a minimalist interior...

Following a model by early 19th century Paris sculptor and bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire, and showcasing many of the neoclassical design elements common to the Empire Style popula...

Impressive in size (1 meter / 3.28 feet), this striking pair of 19th century Sèvres style porcelain ewers / vases demonstrate a high level of detail and quality in both the metalwork...

Copper containers of varying shapes and sizes have been used in Spanish homes and kitchens for many centuries. Copper and its alloys were particularly popular metals for storing and preparing foodstuffs, not only because they were they durable, but because these metals exhibited natural antibacterial properties. This particular jug, most likely made for the storage and serving of liquids such as water or milk, exhibits strong Hispano-Moresque influences. The baluster shape, subtle geometric patterns on the neck, and fitted, "compound" dome lid all reference Spanish Arab...

Hammered, riveted and soldered in 19th century Spain, this copper container was made for common household use, but with its sculptural form and rich color it surpasses its rough begi...

Hammered, riveted and soldered in 18th century Spain, this copper container was made for common household use, but with its sculptural form, rich color and patina of age it surpasses...

This pair of striking 19th century porcelain vases, though unmarked, were almost certainly produced by Jacob Petit (1797-1868), the French pottery manufacturer well-known for his idi...

Braziers (known as "braseros" in Spain) were used to heat areas of a home, palace or castle (!) by holding burning "picón" or charcoal in its concave bowl. Braziers of various design...

This impressive 19th century hand-hammered copper jug stands 2 feet tall, and is exceptionally stabile due to its wide based design. Originally crafted for more practical purposes, t...

Hammered, riveted and soldered in 18th century Spain, this copper container was made for common household use, but with its sculptural form, rich color and patina of age it surpasses...

This 19th century brass hanging pendant sanctuary lamp is from a Spanish collection, but it shares characteristics with French sanctuary lamps of...