Nicholas Wells Antiques Ltd Sculptures

Fine quality antique carved marble recumbent lions after models by Antonio Canova. Architectural elements most likely part of a larger el...

Lost wax casting. Base in marble. On the square base rises a rock formation treated so that it resembles ice in and snow. Above it, the polar bear is placed, which stretches its head...

Art Deco bronze silver plated and black patinated sculpture "Leda and the Swan" created in 1925 by the celebrated French painter and sculptor Marcel A. Bouraine. This piece was showe...

A finely crafted circular pietra dura plaque, likely originating from Italy during the mid-to-late 19th century, this specimen marble and hardstone inlaid chessboard combines decorat...

SALE ONE WEEK ONLY “Leda and the Swan” is by Reuben Nakian (1897 - 1986). He was an American sculptor and teacher of Armenian extraction. His works’ recurring themes are from Greek and Roman mythology. Nakian’s small bronzes achieve majesty and power which are not dependent on size and amplitude. With characteristic freshness, he has reinterpreted the classical subject of Leda and the Swan refining it in the Classical-Renaissance-Baroque tradition in a contemporary way. Dr. Robert P. Metzger gives us his aesthetic interpretation of this work which retells the myth in classical hedonism and freedom of expression showing Leda and the Swann prior to her being ravaged and during their first meeting. “The young virgin is fascinated with her new found friend and accepts him in a spirit of playfulness, contentment and wonder. She is dreamily available and shyly seductive as the deceptively tame swan snuggles up to her with its phallic-like neck.” Leda appears composed, placid yet open and available as compared to her more intense and passionate states in other of Nakian’s depictions on the same theme. This was cast at the "Renaissance Art Foundry" in 1978 and is so marked on the base being #5 of 7. It is believed that “no other sculptor of the twentieth century matched Rueben’s heroic renditions with the grand themes of Western Art. His erotic mythological figures exude a joyous energy of gesture and movement which place them among seminal sculptural achievements of the past one hundred years.” Nakian studied at the Independent School of Art in New York City previously known as the Robert Henri School … with Homer Boss...

This is a super rare opportunity to acquire a pair of these beautifully reduced versions of the facade bas-relief of the Folies-Bergères cabaret. One time designer, Pico who created ...

A large and powerfully cast Chinese bronze censer in the form of two Buddhistic lions, Qing dynasty, late 19th century. The censer is well cast with a strong sense of movement, featuring a pair of fierce Buddhistic lions playfully antagonizing each other. Locked in a mock battle, the smaller lion...

This red coral specimen, with flowing lines and organic form, is a beautiful example of how the work of nature can be, and has been, celebrated as a...

Decorate a ranch or hunt cabin with this beautifully executed, antique bear sculpture composition. Hand carved in France circa 1920 from one piece of frui...

A symbol of strength and energy, the majestic head of the horse is represented in a fragmented cut that brings modernity to the entire sculpture. Since ancient times, it was believed...

Carved Marble Grand Tour Fragment of Left Arm. Well carved left arm fragment, fist clasping, from a larger statue now mounted to Black marble tablet to make a large Desk paper weight...

French Art Deco Leda & the Swan ceramic sculpture by Charles LEMANCEAU at Sainte-Radegonde, France, 1920s. Leda & the swan. Illustrated in the Sainte-Radegonde catalogue, page #2 (se...