A Rare English Gothic Style Highly Carved Walnut & Polychromed Fire-Place C.1860

Fine monumental 19th century French masterfully hand carved walnut and oak figural fireplace. This magnificent large hand carved fireplace is of solid walnu...

A magnificent 19th century French Renaissance Revival patinated bronze mounted carved walnut "Day and Night" mantel clock.  The dial with Roman numerals flanked by allegorical figures of night and day after Michelangelo. France, circa 1870 Maker: Victor Paillard The movement stamped: Vr. Paillard, Paris. Rodier Paris Stamp & Medaille Dor', 1837 Dimensions: Height 22" (56 cm) Width 37" (94 cm) Depth 9" (22 cm) Victor Paillard (1805-1886) designed and made various bronze decorative and functional objects including chenets, lighting and clocks. He also cast bronzes for some of the most important sculptors of the day including Barye, Carrier-Belleuse and Pradier He opened his first workshop in the 1830s at 105, boulevard Beaumarchais and 6, rue Saint-Claude and by the 1850s was employing around 100 people. His success at numerous international exhibitions including the 1851 Great Exhibition (where he displayed a bronze of the Standing Sappho after Pradier) further enhanced his reputation Day and night by Michelangelo: Though never finished, the tomb of Giuliano de' Medici in the Medici Chapel is the only one of Michelangelo great architectural-sculptural projects to be realized in a form approaching completion. Built between 1520 and 1534, it is widely held to be one of Michelangelo's most stunning achievements. The pose of the central figure on the tomb of Giuliano de' Medici, arms resting at his sides and legs comfortably apart, and its open composition suggest a cheerful Duke, generous in both mind and spirit. In fact, the figure holds in his hand several coins, as if an intended gift. Light plays freely on his beautiful face, yet the figure is lacking in energy and seems to wilt under the burden of the Roman armor...

Indulge in the timeless elegance of this exquisite, French Louis style mahogany highly carved fire place mantle. Ornate and beautifully detailed foliate elements, dating back to the ...

Stunning firescreen with a famous earth angle, two famous saint paintings and more. With meaningful 'religious art' from centuries-past being one of our specialities we were amazed, not only to find this rare and marvelous fire screen, but also because of its excellent condition. But then again, we think we see that more often, because true beauty, quality and meaningful antiques radiate something that was already there when it was created. This 'something' commands respect and this is why most people take very good care of very special pieces. Since much of what we know now about Christianity and about monastic life in its various 'forms' was given shape since the life of Christ, but possibly mostly so in Gothic / Medieval times, much of this is expressed in European Gothic Art of the past circa 8 centuries. This rare and beautiful fire screen from the early 1800s, which can also be used as a small room divider or a unique work of (decorative) art, is one of those unique Gothic antiques. The hand-carved knight sculptures are 'fun' and meaningful at the same time, because one of them looks a little desperate and the other looks more at piece and in prayer. The hand-carved winged angel in the middle/ on top seems to be overlooking this 'Gesamtkunstwerk'. What makes this antique really stand out and what also makes it complete are the three hand-painted panels inside this screen. Each of the figures portrayed here have dedicated their lifes to doing good, giving love and hope and thus healing people. In the centre is a glorious painting (in medieval style) of Earth Angel St. Raphael and the boy Tobias. The lady Saint on the right, we feel, is Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231) and the Saint on the left, we feel, is either Francis de Sales...