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Architectural Elements For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1920s
Late 19th Century Antique Stained Glass Window with Flowers and Jewels
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful late 19th century antique stained glass window with flowers and jewels. This is a great window with good colors from a private billiards room in Fairfield County Ct. Original salvaged from an estate in northern New Jersey over 40 years ago. It has some small cracks shown in the photos but is very sturdy and in very good condition. The sizes are for the stained glass window in a small wood frame...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Stained Glass, Wood
French 1850s Napoléon III Framed Architectural Panel with Allegory of the Arts
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoléon III period framed architectural oil on canvas panel from the mid 19th century, with Allegory of the Arts and rinceaux motifs. Created in France at the beginning of ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Canvas, Giltwood
French Mid-19th Century Coq, Rooster
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very handsome mid-19th century Coq - Rooster from the South of France. Beautifully crafted in zinc with fabulous patina. Now resting on its iron base. A terrific accent piece.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Zinc
Mixed Art Deco Relief Tiles by Gilliot, Hemiksem, circa 1920
By Gilliot
Located in Rijssen, NL
Mixed handmade tiles in rich brown, green and yellow glazed colors. Manufactured around 1920 by Gilliot Hemiksem, Belgium.
These tiles would be charming displayed on easels, framed o...
Category
1920s Belgian Art Deco Vintage Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Pair 19th Century, French Zinc Mythical Lion- Wolf Head Fragments
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and rare decorative zinc item that once graced a facade, France, circa 1850-1900
Weathered and small losses but despite of its age in a good condition
Measurement here belo...
Category
19th Century French Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Zinc
Decorative 19th Century Wrought Iron Gate Panel
Located in Mckinney, TX
A mid-19th century blacksmith-made wrought iron gate panel of scrolling design. Once painted white, the panel now has a beautifully weathered patina. ...
Category
Mid-19th Century European Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
French Regence Oak Paneled Room
Located in Queens, NY
Thirty-two French Régence style (19th Century) oak paneled room with trophy carving. Approximately 50 running feet. Individual panel measurements: 29...
Category
19th Century French Régence Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Oak
William Morris Styled Craven, Dunnil & Jackfield Art Pottery Decorative Tile
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large antique decorative tile was made by Craven, Dunnil & Jackfield of England in approximately 1890 and done in a period Art Nouveau sty...
Category
Late 19th Century English Art Nouveau Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Pottery
Marble and Brass Late 19th Century Clock Case
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
Late 19th century marble and brass clock case with applied brass mirror.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble, Brass
Antique French Store Counter Repurposed into a Kitchen Island From The Provence
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Store Counter Repurposed by our Old Plank Artisans into a Country French Style Kitchen Island. The Antique White French Oak...
Category
1870s French Country Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Oak
19th Century Italian Hand Carved Giltwood Gothic Style Ornament/ Fragment
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful handcarved giltwood gothic style ornament that once adorned a chapel or a church.
Italy, circa 1850. Weathered and small losses. Measurement includes the wooden base.
H:31,...
Category
19th Century Italian Gothic Revival Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
19th Century English Brass Bear Doorknocker
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19-century English brass door knocker is a delightful relic of the grand country houses of its era. Small in scale because it was designed for interior doors, it was intend...
Category
19th Century English Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Brass
60 Unique Antique Tiles, Hemiksem circa 1920, Belgium
Located in Rijssen, NL
A large set of unique antique tiles, with a beautiful Art Deco pattern, Hemiksem circa 1940, Belgium.
The dimensions per tile are 4,7 (12 cm)× 4,7" (12 c...
Category
1920s Belgian Art Deco Vintage Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
French 19th Century Gothic Revival Hand Carved, Lacquered, Parcel Giltwood Spire
Located in Firenze, IT
An impressively large and well detailed French late 19th century architectural model of a Gothic inspired transept-spire or church pinnacle.
This Neo Gothic decorative finial is han...
Category
19th Century French Gothic Revival Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Late 19th Century Antique Round Stained Glass Window in a New Square Wood Frame
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful antique stained glass window with great colors and some small jewels. This window just pops with color and the flower...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Stained Glass, Wood
An Indian Haveli Partition with Low Set Windows and A Large Door
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Indo-Saracenic building facade, dating to the late 1800s, features a grand entrance gate flanked by two intricately carved columns. The monumental Indian doors are reinforced with thick metal banding for added strength, while the door posts...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Teak
Monumental Dutch Black Marble Fireplace Mantel with Green Details
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
Monumental Dutch mantelpiece from the 19th century.
Beautiful deep black Belgian marble with green ("vert de mere") details, very decorative.
Great usable dimensions.
Category
19th Century Dutch Louis XVI Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Belgian Black Marble
19th Century Asian Architectural Transom Panel with Pierced Carved Foliage
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century Asian Architectural transom panel with pierced carved foliage.
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Pair of Massive Antique Arch Form Doors
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of antique doors with arched and paneled design with remnants of old green and other encrusted paint. The doors do have some old hinges an...
Category
19th Century Rustic Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
19th Century American Greek Revival Ionic Capital
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite 19th-century American Greek Revival carved wood Ionic capital showcases the timeless elegance of classical architecture. It features characteristic scrolled volutes, i...
Category
19th Century American Greek Revival Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Timeless French Beige Reclaimed Limestone Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
Timeless French Beige Vintage limestone fireplace Surround.
19th century period Louis Philippe style fireplace in beige hard stone. It was...
Category
19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Limestone
An Indian Haveli Architectural Facade with Three Windows and Balcony
Located in Chicago, IL
This Indian haveli facade, crafted in the 1850's in Gujarat, India, features a beautifully designed balcony with three windows supported by four columns. The balcony showcases modest...
Category
Mid-19th Century Indian Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Teak
Antique French Louis XVI Fireplace Mantel
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
Antique French Louis XVI Fireplace Mantel.
A nice style correct Louis XVI Fireplace from Paris in France.
The profiled topshelf h...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble
Dutch Gothic Oak and Giltwood Steeple
Located in Queens, NY
Dutch Gothic style (19th Century) oak and gilt filigree carved 4 section steeple (Provenance: a Dutch church 108 Utrechtsestraat St., Amsterdam).
Category
19th Century Dutch Gothic Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Oak
Set of 4 English Gothic Revival Carved Mahogany Columns
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 4 English Gothic Revival style (19th Century) carved mahogany octagonal columns with cupid heads on capitals.
Category
19th Century British Gothic Revival Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Salvaged Carved Wooden Architectural Wall Brackets, Corbels or Shelves
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This matched pair of antique hand-carved walnut wall brackets were salvaged from an early Victorian house in Montreal, Canada. The brackets are unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Canada in approximately 1850 in the period Victorian style. The brackets are solid walnut in their composition and have ornate decorative carvings. These wall corbels...
Category
Mid-19th Century Canadian Early Victorian Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Walnut
European Opulent White Statuary Marble Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
This extraordinary fireplace mantel in white statuary marble with opulent carved roses is incredible. It is eye catching and one of a kind. It could work very well in a Rococo interi...
Category
19th Century Belgian Baroque Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Statuary Marble
Beautiful, Rare Black Marble French Louis XV Fireplace with Original Insert
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
Impressive, beautiful and richly carved Louis XV fireplace from France, 19th century
This fireplace is executed in impeccable Belgian black marble.
The hand-painted porcelain insert ...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Belgian Black Marble
Antique fireplace of Noir de Mazy marble, 19th century, Louis XVI
Located in Made, NL
Very beautiful antique fireplace of the unique marble type Noir de Mazy from the 19th century! This marble type from Belgium is becoming increasingly rare, because a number of quarri...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble
Vintage Elm Wood Wheel Decorative Accent for Bookcase or Table
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
These vintage wheel once held iron carriage wheels, these center make beautiful decorative objects or vessels for an arrangement.
7” diameter x 6.5” tall
Category
19th Century Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Elm
Colorful Antique Ceramic Tiles by Faiencerie de Bouffioulx, Belgium 1920s
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
Very colorful and unique handmade ceramic tiles. Manufactured by Faiencerie de Bouffioulx, Belgium, 1920s
Stylized design in wonderful bright colors green, pink, ochre and light blue...
Category
1920s Belgian Art Deco Vintage Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Exquisite Rotunda Structure Kiosk Copper & Carved Stone Bench Seating Columns
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Exquisite Rotunda Structure Kiosk Copper & Carved Stone Bench Seating Columns . Monumental Exquisite refined work King Charles X Period Rotunda rotundus building structure with a circular ground plan covered by a large copper dome...
Category
Early 19th Century French Charles X Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone, Copper
Victorian Over Door Architectural Element
Located in Hanover, MA
Victorian over-door architectural element in distressed old paint.
Wired on verso for hanging on a wall or simply place on top of a tallboy.
From a Beacon Hill, Boston townhouse.
Category
1860s American Victorian Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
French 19th Century Carved and Painted Wooden Panel with Liberal Arts Allegory
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French carved and painted wooden panel from the 19th century, with musical instruments. Created in France during the 19th century, this architectural panel features a grey painted textured ground adorned with a carved Allegory of the Liberal Arts symbolized by various musical instruments, set inside a molded frame topped with scrolling foliage. Boasting a nicely weathered patina, this 19th century French carved wooden panel...
Category
19th Century French Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Pair of Large Antique French Door Shutters from a Chateau, 19th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
These monumental arched antique door shutters were salvaged from a 19th century French chateau. They would have been on the ground floor, attached...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
Converted 19th Century Gas Chandelier with Art Glass Shades
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
Bronze gas fixture converted to electricity with three candle lights and three art glass shades.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Bronze
Antique Crucifix Cross Cast Iron Garden Architectural Chapel Church Cemetery #1
Located in Tyler, TX
TALL Antique French cast iron cross crucifix~~chapel church garden architectural yard cemetery prayer room wall hanging~~c. 1890s
Fab...
Category
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
Parisian Louis XVI Fireplace Mantel
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
Delightful French Louis XVI "Demi Lune" style fireplace mantel.
This Parisian Louis XVI fireplace mantel is the perfect mix of simple and strong profiled elements.
Executed in a lo...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble
19th Century Italian Neo-Classical Style Carved and Parcel Gilt Panel
Located in Dallas, TX
The product is a 19th Century Italian Neo-Classical Style Carved and Parcel Gilt Panel. Featuring beautiful carving along with a lovely shade of blue, showcasing a traditional Neo-Cl...
Category
19th Century Neoclassical Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Four Brass Chippendale Door Pulls Handles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A set of four vintage brass door pulls in the style of Chippendale - the four are from an original piece of furniture we no longer could save. ...
Category
19th Century Chippendale Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Brass
Rare Salvaged 1877 Queen Victoria Coronation British Raj Wrought Iron Railing
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Rare salvaged young Queen Victoria Coronation Railings circa 1877 depicting crown and braid profile. These were balcony facade railings from an ol...
Category
1870s Early Victorian Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Reclaimed Catholic Church Marble Surround
Located in Mckinney, TX
Found in Nebraska, dating to the mid-19th century, this surround was reclaimed from a Catholic church and once framed a memorial, plaque, or the like. A wonderful decorative fragment, hand-carved from Carrara marble, the surround consists of 6 separate pieces including a pediment, entablature (which includes the Corinthian volute), two Corinthian columns, and two plinths. A wonderful piece of history the piece could be installed again to surround a small window, a powder room mirror...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Carrara Marble
Pair of 19th C. Painted Italian Carvings on Bases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of 19th-century carved Italian architectural elements mounted on wood bases. The Rococo style carvings showcase intricate detailing, curvilinear forms, and ornate motifs thro...
Category
19th Century Italian Rococo Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood, Paint
19th Century Italian Architectural Corinthian Wood Columns on Sandstone Plinths
Located in Firenze, IT
This tall pair of Italian 19th century Louis XVI style hand carved walnut architectural columns with Corinthian capitals and stone base boasts a fluted and slender body crowned with a Corinthian capital deeply sculpted on the round, decorated with carvings of acanthus leaves, rosettes and scrolls elegantly finished at the base with a beaded border.
These monumental architectural wooden elements rest on a round shaped sandstone pedestal ending with a square base socle.
Over two centuries in age and hailing from Italy, this dramatic pair of highly decorative antique building elements are made out of solid wood carved in the round, handcrafted as pure representations the original ancient Greek models with faithful and accurate fluted columns and scrolled capitals decorated with volutes.
The stone block plinths below provide the ideal elevation, complete with fine moldings and raw surface.
This large pair of antique Greco-Roman style boasting great and undisputed antiquarian value and high end Italian craftsmanship quality will anchor any interior design. Suitable for historic houses entrances or portal, important offices or adaptable to the most imaginative and high-level ideas: to flank a bookcase or customized shelving...
Category
19th Century Italian Classical Roman Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone, Sandstone
Selection of eight restored 19th C Neo-Gothic Stained-Glass Windows
Located in Leuven , BE
The Color Experience: Stained-glass windows
“Color is a power which directly influences the soul” (Wassili Kandinsky, Moskou 1866 – Neuilly-sur-Seine, 1944)
“Color! What a deep and mysterious language, the language of dreams!” (« La couleur ! Quelle langue profonde et mystérieuse, le langage des rêves », Paul Gauguin, Paris, 1848-Fatu-Hiva, 1903)
‘Color and feeling’, ‘color and meaning’, these are concepts that have gone together since time immemorial. Artists and craftsmen have a special bond with color. After all, it is a means of expression that can have a real reinforcing effect. Especially linking color with light offers unlimited possibilities. Glaziers and glass painters have tried to master both these ‘instruments’ for centuries.
The set of beautifully restored neo-Gothic windows in our collection are enough reason for us to let these works of art figure in a broader story. As a bonus, we would like to introduce you to the contemporary stained-glass artist and stained-glass restorer, Daniël Theys. whose workshop is in Sint-Pieters-Rode (Belgium). He talked to us about the materials and techniques he used for the restoration of our set of neo-Gothic stained-glass windows. A fascinating look at the tricks of the trade from a specialist!
A bird’s eye view of the history of the European stained-glass window.
Although the Romans already used translucent glass plates to cover wall openings, the stained-glass window reached its peak in Europe between 1150 and 1500. A period also known as the era of the cathedrals. At that time, stained-glass windows became more than just a way to let in the light, and to keep the space closed off. From now on, their functionality was also found in their didactic value. The biblical and saints’ stories that adorned the stained-glass windows became a kind of poor man’s bible. They brought, as it were, the knowledge of the holy scriptures in an understandable, pictorial way. At the same time, the colored light provided additional symbolism. The invading light was interpreted as a manifestation of God. It is also no coincidence that the main altar was bathed in light. It was the place where the most important sacrament was celebrated, that of the Eucharist. How were these magical colors obtained? Well, during the 12th and 13th centuries, metal oxides gave color to the glass. Copper, for example, produced different colors in the various stages of oxidation. The metal could color the glass light blue, green and even red. It should be noted that from the 13th century onwards, clear glass, which was cheaper and at the same time allowed more light into the buildings, was used more often. A century later, in the years 1400 to 1500, glass painters frequently painted onto the glass with a ‘stain’ of silver chloride or sulfide. The painted piece of glass was heat-treated in a furnace. The heating process ensured that the silver ions migrated into the glass and became suspended within the glass network. The stain gave colors ranging from a pale yellow to a rather deep red. This new technique allowed glaziers to get more than one color on a single glass fragment. The shades produced by painting in silver chloride were well suited for depicting golden crowns, scepters and other gilded objects and ornaments. But the most important advantage of the technique was the fact that the glass painter could now make transitions from yellow tones to white without having to apply separations with lead strips! This also improved the legibility of the pictured scene.
You can imagine that the labor-intensive process of the production of stained-glass windows was a very costly affair and therefore it was often patrons who donated them to a church or a chapel. The benefactors were usually eager to propagate their social status and were moved by concern for their salvation.
In the 16th century, stained-glass windows also began to appear in secular buildings such as town halls, the homes of the wealthy and commercial premises such as inns. It is striking that during this period the use of lead strips that border many parts of the image was further reduced in favor of real painting on stained glass. This was due to an increasing love of detail. For example, one wanted realistically painted portrait heads. Working with enamel paints was cumbersome. Each newly applied color had to be burned into the glass before another color or overpainting could be applied. It was not only the coloring of the glass that was complicated, the process of obtaining flat glass plates required many steps as well. The glazier blew a glass bulb with a blowpipe and then cut it open. Finally, each half of the sphere was turned around so fast that it became a disc. In later periods, the glazier blew out his glass bulb into a cylinder. Once the cylinder had cooled, its closed ends were removed, and the long sides were cut open. The pieces of glass obtained were then heated and flattened. During the 16th century, there was a division of labor between the stained-glass designer, the glazier, and the glass painter. It happened as well that the stained-glass artist used prints as models for his stained-glass windows. Whoever drew the design, the glazier always needed a model on the right scale, the so-called cartoon. On the cartoon, the lead strips were clearly marked, and the use of colors was indicated. Contracts at the time show that the price of stained-glass windows was calculated per square foot. The price per square foot included the labor and material costs. The price of the cartoon was not included.
In the 17th century, the work of glass painters remained important. At the same time, there was a growing popularity of stained-glass windows with heraldic themes. In the Low Countries there were several high-quality glass painters active.
During the 18th century, glass painting went downhill in our regions. The French occupation of the Southern Netherlands resulted in the destruction and sale of religious stained-glass windows.
It was only around the middle of the 19th century that the young Belgian state experienced a revival of stained glass. The renewed interest in the Middle Ages, the so-called ‘gothic revival’, caused a wave of restoration of old stained-glass windows of churches and orders for neo-gothic stained-glass windows. The Sint-Lucas art schools in Belgium played an important role in this. Industrial developments in the glass and steel industries naturally had an important hand in the popularity of stained-glass windows. Stained-glass had a wide range of uses; think of stained glasses in winter gardens, domes, windows, and doors of large mansions. Significant glazier’ studios arose in several larger Belgian cities. In Brussels, for example, you had the workshops of Capronnier and Colpaert, in Bruges the studios of Coucke and Dobbelaere, in Ghent the companies of Ganton-Defoin or Ladon. During the 19th century, glaziers followed the style developments in the visual arts. For example, the number of windows in Art Nouveau and Art Deco style is large. The restored stained-glass windows with male and female saints that we offer for sale, come from a building in Laeken, near Brussels. They probably decorated the space of a church, chapel, convent, or Catholic school. In the results of the interview with glass restorer Daniël Theys, you will learn more about the particularities of these splendid windows.
Chatting and browsing in the workshop of Daniël Theys
The Belgian Glass restorer and glass blower, Daniël Theys (), made a career switch at a later age and has been active in the profession since 1987. He is an important player in the field of stained-glass window art in Belgium. Moreover, he is the only one in the country who still masters the technique of glass etching. Daniël Theys receives many commissions from small parish churches to restore old stained-glass windows to their former glory. He made a name for himself in that niche and that is how Spectandum brought the set of 19th century stained glass windows to his workshop for reconstruction. They were delivered in old numbered wooden crates and Daniel had to start puzzling.
Numbered wooden crates with sections of the stained-glass windows
Normally a glazier starts working from a drawing with a scale of 1:1 (full size drawing), but in this case each piece had to be cataloged and photographed. The smaller pieces were grouped on the light box and photographed in their entirety. Then Daniël made a drawing of the remaining pieces that he had puzzled together with great care.
Smaller pieces identified and grouped on the light box
The restauration guidelines of the Agency for Monuments and Landscapes are not always the same as those of a restorer. For this reconstruction, Daniël primarily considered the purpose of the stained-glass windows. It had to be an aesthetic and salable set of stained-glass windows, so the choice of filling the gaps with neutral glass or epoxy was not really an option. Theys left well-executed previous restorations untouched. The windows may have been repaired three or four times in the past.
Piece of a cloak with glass shards from different periods (restorations)
Another problem Daniel faced during the restoration was the fact that some small parts of the old grisaille had been eaten away by microorganisms. The defect – caused by moisture – can be seen from the discoloration of the grisaille. The black-brown color is turned red.
This fragment shows well how the brown grisaille has turned red due to the attack of micro-organisms
The stained-glass windows of the 19th century are made of ‘in the mass-colored’ glass. This means that the colors were added to the liquid glass during its production process. This type of glass differs from glass colored with enamel paint, which became popular from the interwar period. The latter process involves applying enamel paint (this is a glass powder with a metal oxide to which a medium has been added) to the colorless glass. When firing the glass with the enamel paint, the powder fuses with the glass. The colors of email painted glass are less intense and less brilliant than those of ‘in the mass-colored glass’.
Jars with colored powder for the enamel paints
For the restoration Daniël only worked with mouth-blown glass, both with ‘in the mass-colored glass’ and with ‘verre plaqué’. This is blown glass composed of several layers of different shades. Over the years, Theys built up a large stock of old blown glass. Colored blown glass always has sliding shades. For example, a red piece of glass can have a color transition from bright red to light orange. These differences in shades are the result of the different thicknesses of the piece of glass. It allows the glazier to use a wide variety of shades.
The purple-red foliage with light blue accents was obtained by etching away parts of a piece ‘verre plaqué’. A small part of the lower glass layer is exposed.
The windows were completely re-leaded by the restorer because there was virtually no ‘lead net’ preserved. In general, lead strips only have a limited lifespan because of oxidation processes. Daniël removed the old lead remnants and placed new lead profiles. Then he applied putty between the glass fragments and the lead strips to seal the lead. A window must be made watertight. The current condition of the windows is excellent.
Decorative glass part with original lead remnants
New lead strip
The set of stained-glass windows we present today, originally consisted of windows of 5 to 6 m high. After all, they originally adorned a neo-gothic church. Since the original dimensions are not suitable for private buildings, it was decided to only restore the figurative representation.
The original spire of one of the windows
Thanks to a suspension eye, the window can be hung. There is also the possibility to place the window in an upright position.
Thanks to the craftsmanship of the Theys-Studio, we can once again enjoy the brilliance of color!
Looking for the missing link
The set of 19th-century stained-glass windows came into the possession of Spectandum without a clear provenance. The renowned Leuven antiques dealer, Cornelius Engelen, recalls that the windows came from a church in Laeken. There is no solid starting point for a search for the provenance. Based on the style of the stained-glass windows – most probably the late 19th century -, their religious iconography, and their original shape (pointed arch windows) and dimensions (5 to 6 cm high), we can assume that they were once displayed in a (neo-)gothic cult building. On the one hand, the stained-glass windows may have been removed after storm damage or other calamities, on the other they may have been taken away during a renovation or a demolition of a church. The Church of Our Lady in Laeken is the most famous church building in that municipality that could qualify. In the early 1920s, the central windows of the transept were badly damaged by a hurricane. Today, glass fragments of these windows (dating from 1893-1894) with the names of the sixteen missing saints and an arch infill of the western window are officially known. It would be interesting to find out if our set of eight saints once were part of the transept of Our Lady in Laeken. Research in the records of the church administrators could provide clarification. Knowing that most neo-gothic stained-glass windows from the Church of Our Lady come from the Jules Dobbelaere’s glass studio in Bruges, it is useful to consult that company’s archive as well. It is kept in the KADOC (Documentation and research center for religion, culture and; in Leuven. Of course, the sizes and shape of the stone window openings of the transept can also provide an indication. If we stylistically compare the grisailles of the set of stained-glass windows with the work of Jules Dobbelaere, we do see some relationship. Especially with a stained-glass window in the chapel of Our Lady of the Saint Anthony Church in Aalst.
Another line of research that we could follow, is that of the iconography of the series. One of the saints depicted is Saint Roch. There once was a Saint-Roch church in Laeken with 19th-century stained-glass windows from the Brussels studio of Jean-Baptiste Capronnier. The company archive of the glaziers François and Jean-Baptiste Capronnier is owned by the Flemish government and can be consulted in the above-mentioned KADOC. We already searched the sales catalog of 1892, in which Capronnier’s drawings and cartoons are described one by one. The saints that are represented in our set of windows, does not correspond with the names of the saints mentioned for the church of St. Roch in Laeken. Building on this argument, it can be concluded that the eight saints were not destined for this house of worship.
In the absence of lavishly illustrated monographs on the various glazier-companies in Belgium, the execution of a comparative study of the stained-glass windows is time-consuming and complex. Although a limited number of old photos of stained-glass windows can still be found in the database ‘Balat’ of the KIK-IRPA (), this remains far too limited to get a good picture of the output of the various companies.
19th C, Saint, Neo-Gothic Stained-Glass Window with Saint Martin, Belgium, 163 x 73 cm
Most people know Saint Martin (Szombathely, ca. 316 – Candes, 397) as the Roman Tribune who cut his cloak in two with his sword and gave one half to a beggar. The artist of the stained-glass window has opted for a different, less common iconographic representation here. Saint Martin is presented as a bishop with a miter and staff. According to a legend, Martin was lured to the city of Tours with a trick to consecrate him as a bishop. He refused the ecclesiastical office and hid in a barn with some geese. The birds betrayed him with their twittering. In the end Martin received his episcopal consecration. The goose at the feet of the saint clearly refers to this event.
19th C, Saint, Neo-Gothic Stained-Glass Window with St. Angela, Belgium, 163 x 73 cm
Angela de Merici was an Italian woman who taught young women religion, health care, and household skills. She founded the monastic community of the Ursulines. They played an important social role as founders of schools and orphanages. Saint Angela died in Brescia in 1540. It should therefore come as no surprise that the saint on the stained-glass-window is depicted with
a girl by her side.
19th C, Saint, Neo-Gothic Stained-Glass Window with Charles Borromeo, Belgium, 163 x 73 cm
Charles Borromeo (Milan, 1538-1584) grew up in a noble family. He was already made Cardinal and Archbishop of Milan at the age of 24. With his writings he contributed to the implementation of the Church reforms determined at the Council of Trent. Among other things, he released a new catechism. With his book on the design of church buildings, “Instructiones Fabriacae et Supellectilis Ecclesiasticae”, he left a mark on Baroque church construction. At the outbreak of the plague in his diocese in 1576, he devoted himself to the care of those affected. Hence, people sometimes pray to him when they have been hit by a serious illness.
19th C, Saint, Neo-Gothic Stained-Glass Window with St. Roch, Belgium, 163 x 73 cm
Saint Roch (Montpellier, 1295? /1350? -1327? /1380?) was born with a port-wine stain in the shape of a cross on his left hip. It was interpreted as a sign from God. After the dead of his parents, he gave his money to the poor and went on to live the life of pilgrim. He cared for plague sufferers and healed some of them by making a sign of the cross. He is especially invoked as protector against the plague.
19th C, Neo-Gothic Stained-Glass Window with St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Belgium, 163 x 73 cm
Bernard of Clairvaux (Fontaines, 1090-Clairvaux, 1153) decided to become a monk at the age of 21. In 1112 he entered in the monastery of Cîtaux. He was soon commissioned by the abbot to find a new monastery in Clairvaux. Because of his intellectual capacities and eloquence, he was consulted by various ecclesiastical and secular leaders. He ensured the expansion of the Cistercian order throughout Europe. As a Doctor of the Church, he wrote many tracts and sermons and established a new rule for the Templars. Above all, he was concerned with the discipline of the clergy. Therefore, he wrote a spiritual manual for the priests and bishops. Saint Bernard can be seen as a true mystic. He envisioned the union of the human soul with God as the most important goal in life. According to a legend, Bernard once had a vision in which the Blessed Virgin appeared to him and strengthened him with her mother’s milk. In the arts, the saint is mainly depicted with an abbot’s staff and a book with the Cistercian rule. His vision was also often portrayed.
19th C, Neo-Gothic Stained-Glass Window with St. John Berchmans, Belgium, 163 x 73 cm
The Belgian Jan Berchmans (Diest, 1599-Rome, 1621) was the eldest of five children. When his mother became seriously ill, he initially took care of her, but at the age of nine he was housed with the town’s priest. After a few years he moved to Mechelen to become the servant of a canon. It also gave him the opportunity to begin his studies in the seminary for priests. He eventually joined the Jesuits of Mechelen. He got their permission to study philosophy in Rome. In the Eternal City, he visited working-class neighbourhoods to teach the children about God. He died of an illness at the age of 22. Saint Jan Berchmans is the patron saint of school children and students.
19th C, Neo-Gothic Stained-Glass Window with Saint Clare...
Category
19th Century Belgian Gothic Revival Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Art Glass, Stained Glass
19th Century French Olive Green Boiserie Panel
Located in Mckinney, TX
A beautiful mid-19th century, architectural wood wall panel retaining the original worn pale olive green paint. Each of the three panels is decorated with raised beveled trim details...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Two Dormer Windows in Cast Iron from the 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Two 19th century polychrome cast iron dormer windows
in very good condition
Beautiful patina.
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
Antique French Zinc Architectural Building Element
Located in Sheffield, MA
Neoclassical style building element in the neoclassical taste. Antique French long segment of zinc metal architectural fragment that will make a unique wall decor...
Category
19th Century European Renaissance Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Zinc
19th Century Terracotta Garden Lions
Located in Houston, TX
A large opposing pair of Italian mid-19th century terracotta lions. Each lion is raised on a rectangular base. Beautiful expressive faces and wonderfully carved manes with great patina.
Category
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Terracotta
Carved Stone Architectural Ornament, France Circa 1850
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-carved in France, circa 1850, this unique limestone architectural is reminiscent of an antique reliquary. Its intricate design features a central niche flanked by volutes, above...
Category
1850s French Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Antique Walter MacFarlane & Co English Cast Iron Royal Coat Of Arms Shield 61"
Located in Dayton, OH
Very heavy and large Mid 19th Century English Cast Iron Royal Coat of Arms Shield or Crest. Made from solid Cast Iron from the Walter MacFarlane & Co, Saracen Foundry Possil Park Gl...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
Carved Stone Water Filter
Located in Round Top, TX
Carved stone water filter from the frontier region of Argentina.
Category
1850s Argentine Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
An exceptional period pair of Arts & Crafts hand hammered & wrought iron gates
Located in London, GB
An exceptional pair of Arts and Crafts hand-hammered and hand-wrought iron gates with scrolling floral decoration to the top with some of the widest tight scroll work decoration I ha...
Category
1890s English Arts and Crafts Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
19th Century Chinese Temple Architectural Corbel Carved Sculpture Pair
Located in Forney, TX
A majestic pair of antique architectural salvaged Chinese temple corbels, now mounted as one-of-a-kind wooden sculptures on custom floor standing display pedestal stands.
Originally commissioned for an important religious temple in China, the impressive large scale wall bracket corbels were notoriously difficult as they had to serve as both highly decorative temple ornaments and structural building elements used to support the weight of a wall.
Hand-crafted in the early 19th century, smilarly styled design, each exceptionally hand carved, sculpted, and painted by highly trained artisans. Profusely carved and decorated, featuring very fine quality high relief work throughout, extensive bas relief, pierced openwork, rich carvings and intricate incised detailing, depicting various Chinese folk religion figures and imagery.
Rising on bespoke handmade stands, consistenting of sturdy rectangular shaped thick plank plinth base embellished with foliate carvings, held upright by turned column single support.
Rich in culture and history, interesting, unusual, highly decorative, whimsical and artistic, sure to add sophisticated elegance, rustic character, color, space, texture and lots of visual interest.
Dimensions, largest (approx):
Each: 32.5" H, 19" W, 7.25" D.
Please note, the objects were sourced and transported both legally and ethically, retaining partial original red wax export seal to top.
Display the three Sanxing, in their iconic representation as three, old, bearded, wise men, which dates back to the Ming dynasty, when the Gods of the three stars were represented in human form for the first time. One panel having two monumental smiling figures with hand painted eyes and tongue, the other fragment depicting four figures, seated and standing, likely Immortals, Gods, Shen deity, and other characters from ancient Chinese mythology and folklore. Both pieces with elaborate lotus and pine tree motif, a powerful symbol of wisdom and longevity.
Sanxing figures are an important part of Asian culture. Statues of these three Gods...
Category
19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood, Paint
19th Century Italian Carved Marble Architectural Frieze Sculpture of Caesar
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Italian carved marble Architectural Frieze Sculpture of Caesar, Of rectangular form the finely carved Carrera Marble 50" x 20" slab w...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Classical Roman Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Carrara Marble, Statuary Marble, Steel
Terra Cotta Fragment from the Facade of the Chicago Stock Exchange
Located in Round Top, TX
Terra cotta fragment from the facade of the Chicago Stock Exchange. Architect Louis Sullivan. Includes new custom wall mount.
Category
1890s American Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
Pair of Southwest Asian Poly Chromed Columns with Corinthian Capitals Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Southwest Asian carved wood and poly chromed columns with stylized Corinthian capitals, reeded pillars, and terminating on circular squared decorative floral plinths, Early 1...
Category
1820s West Asian Greco Roman Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood, Paint
Rare Monumental Italian Carved Carrara Marble Model of a Cathedral
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Monumental Italian Carved Carrara Marble Model of a Cathedral, Rome, 19th century, circa 1840.
Possibly a representation of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence Italy.
The Italian Renaissance is renowned for its magnificent works of art and architecture, which are admired to this day for their grandeur and intricate details. Among the most impressive examples of this era are the rare and monumental carved Carrara marble models of cathedrals...
Category
19th Century Italian Gothic Antique Architectural Elements
Materials
Carrara Marble