Marble Building and Garden Elements
to
380
2,618
1,030
3,015
674
83
Height
to
Width
to
370
280
244
203
197
179
102
70
58
43
42
39
38
20
11
2
1
572
1,692
751
757
264
147
199
32
5
32
14
7
29
20
23
39
12
15,878
8,216
7,366
5,418
3,772
3,111
1,168
850
520
366
3,772
3,224
3,515
68
50
43
42
41
Material: Marble
Pair of Antique Italian Carved Marble Bacchanalian Garden Urns, 19th C or Older
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Antique Italian Marble Bacchanalian Garden Urns
19th Century or Older
After the Roman Antiquity, influences of the Medici and Borghese Vases
We are pleased to offer this remarkable pair of Antique (19th Century or Older) Italian Marble Bacchanalian Garden Urns, These stunning examples bear the unmistakable influence of Roman Antiquity, referencing design attributes of the renowned Medici and Borghese Vases.
Hand carved with with subtle detail, these large-scale, bell-shaped marble kraters boast a beautiful captivating weathered patina. Each urn features an everted gadrooned rim and is adorned with a continuous frieze of Bacchanalian standing figures, their forms in a naturalistic landscape with grapes and leaves. These figurative elements are masterfully hand-carved.
Resting on ribbed bottoms and featuring different carved medallion portrait handles, the urns are supported by a spreading fluted stem, which in turn is elevated on either a larger or smaller square marble plinth.
The urns are set upon different-sized marble plinths. One stands regally on a larger 19-inch square x 6-inch base plinth, elevating the pictured height to a majestic 42.5 inches. The other urn is gracefully displayed on a 6-inch square x 3-inch high marble plinth, creating an enchanting 40.5-inch height in the overall composition, adding an element of versatility to your interior or outdoor space.
The urns without the added marble plinths have dimensions of 37.5 inches in height and 25 inches in width (including the handles) on an 11-inch circular base, these garden urns make a bold statement. Furthermore, the interior measurements of the urns are 12.5 inches deep with a 13-inch diameter.
Fresh from a Palm Beach Estate.
Further Notes:
Each urn weighs in excess of 500 pounds, retaining a beautiful well worn weather patina. Due to the age and size, there are old cosmetic...
Category
19th Century Italian Classical Roman Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
$38,400 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Golden Age Fireplace Surround In Pure White Statuary Marble
Located in Beervelde, BE
This fine, exceptional original antique fireplace surround from paris is in pure White Statuary Marble. The condition as well as the carving is exceptional. It is from the grand Gold...
Category
19th Century French Victorian Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble
Fine Italian Antique Marble Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
This stylish and fine Italian antique fireplace mantle was built in Arabesk white marble.
Very nice movement and detailed carving. Can be u...
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Louis XIV Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Fireplace mantel in white Carrara marble with lion's paws, Italy
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Ancient fireplace mantle, carved in white Carrara marble, with lion's paws and complete with original base, built in the 19th century, in Italy for a house in the historic center. Al...
Category
20th Century Italian Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Carrara Marble
$4,928 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Neoclassical Brass Armillary Sundial on Green Marble Base
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage French Provincial or Neoclassical style brass garden armillary sundial on a green marble base
USA, Late 20th Century
Measures: 11"W x 8.5"D x 15.75"H
Very good ...
Category
Late 20th Century American French Provincial Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Brass
Magnificent Compatible Pair Of Recumbent Carved Marble Lions
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Pair of Male Lions in carved marble resting on octagonal attached slab bases. Originally purchased in London and having incredible classic form. One of the Lions rests with his hea...
Category
Early 20th Century Renaissance Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
18th Century French Regency Period Rose De Bourgogne Chimney Piece - Luxury Chic
Located in Beervelde, BE
This authentic mid-18th century French Regency fireplace surround is a rare masterpiece in Rose de Bourgogne hard stone from the Burgundy region. Its warm pink-beige hues with natura...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Regency Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone, Marble
Reclaimed Carrara Nero/Bianco Octagon/Cabochon Tile - Marble Checkered Flooring
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
This epitome of elegance is the dream item for any luxury home designer or custom-homeowner. It is a piece by piece reclaimed set of authentic Carrara Bianco Octagonal & Nero Cabocho...
Category
1880s Italian Classical Greek Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Carrara Marble
Magnificent Life-Size Marble Sculpture from Italy 220
Located in Madrid, ES
Add a touch of classical elegance to your collection with this magnificent life-size marble sculpture, masterfully crafted from the finest Italian marble. This exceptional piece, met...
Category
Late 20th Century Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Large Scottish William iv Manner Statuary Marble Fireplace Surround
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A large and elegant Scottish, lightly veined statuary marble fireplace surround in the manner of William IV. A generous top shelf with rounded corners sits above a stepped full lengt...
Category
1930s Scottish William IV Vintage Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Statuary Marble
Hand Carved Round White Marble Basin Antique Fountain
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hand Carved Round White Marble Water Fountai . Large 19th Century Charming hand sculpted White Marble water fountain Basin, with a paired Lead fi...
Category
19th Century French Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone, Marble, Lead
Deep Olive Green Marble Pedestal
Located in Miami, FL
Marble pedestal .The middle part is made of 9 marble columns.
The square base is surlined with a golden bronze frame.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
19th Century Fireplace of Portoro Marble in Style of Louis XVI
Located in Made, NL
Beautiful unique fireplace of Portoro marble. Portoro marble has its origin in Italy and is a very nice warm marble of dark brown/black with beautiful flam...
Category
19th Century Belgian Louis XVI Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
$19,240 Sale Price
27% Off
Circa 1800 Italian Lobed Basin in Carved Verona Rosso Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-carved in northern Italy, circa 1800, this lobed basin was crafted from beautiful Verona rosso marble, most likely as a holy water receptacle in a church. Known for its reddish color and light veining, this particular marble has a wonderful rose color with light gray, cream, and brown veining. Thick gadroon lobes adorn the outside of the oval basin, beneath a quarter-round rim under a raised molding. The timeless carvings and warm color of the marble can be paired with just about any style of interior design. Our Italian lobed basin would make a fantastic decorative bowl on a foyer center table...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone, Marble
Pair of Monumental Egyptian Marble Block Statues with Plinths
Located in Ware, GB
This impressive pair of reclaimed block statues are carved from solid black and gold marble.
Block statues emerged in Ancient Egypt and used in temples, their subject seated on the...
Category
20th Century Egyptian Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
China Huge Natural Marble Stone "Painting" Mountain scape
Located in South Burlington, VT
This Chinese extraordinary natural marble stone painting of a mountain range in green and white colors is called a dream stone Shih-hua.
It is a monumental masterwork of nature. Totally natural.
Dimensions:
Hardwood frame: 38 inches tall and 78 inches length
Site: 30 inches tall and 70 inches length
This thin marble stone painting is approximately 3/8 inch thick and is cut from a large slab of rough material revealing a unique, incredible pattern in soft green and white colors.
This unique work of art was from historic Dali marble...
Category
20th Century Chinese Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
$22,400 Sale Price
21% Off
Bronze Equestrian Sculpter with Caesar on Marble Base, Early 20th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
Bronze Equestrian sculpter with Caesar on marble base, early 20th century.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Bronze
20th Century Marble Pillar/Column in Antique Louis XV Style Bronzed
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century marble pillar/column in Louis XV style green marble with bronze bases and capitals. Rectangular, profiled cover plate. Partially turned column shaft extremely decorative...
Category
20th Century French Louis XV Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Palatial Antique French Louis XVI Style White Marble and Gilt Bronze Mantle
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent and large palatial antique French Louis XVI style white marble and gilt bronze mantle. The structure is composed of rectangular white marble blocks with a stepped corni...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Mermer Lavabo (Ottoman Marble Sink)
Located in Ojai, US
This vintage marble sink features hand-carved details that transport one to the communal bathhouses of the Ottoman Empire, called hamams. This sink...
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish Greco Roman Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Antique French marble fireplace in pink tones
Located in Baambrugge, NL
Antique French marble fireplace in pink tones. A 19th century Demi Lune Louis XVI mantelpiece in Trets marble, with fluted jambs and frieze panels.
Dimensions: h 106 x w 136 x d 35 ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Italian Neoclassical Style Pietra Dura Marble Center Dining Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Festive and colorful Italian Pietra Dura center table or garden dining table featuring an intricately detailed hard stone inlay top. The round top is embellished with marble and hard...
Category
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone, Marble
Impressive Pair of Ormolu Mounted Marble Obelisks
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of large marble obelisks. Made from solid Verde Antico marble with bronze neoclassical style decorative mounts on all four sides.
Category
Mid-19th Century Neoclassical Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Huge Marble Bust of an Roman Emperor 95 cm
Located in Madrid, ES
Introducing an impressive Italian Marble Bust of an Emperor, exquisitely carved from colorful marbles sourced from Italian quarries. This magnificent piece showcases exceptional craf...
Category
1950s Vintage Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
1980's Post-Modern Exotic Marble Column Pedestal
By Steve Chase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful 1980s Post-Modern exotic marble column pedestal features exotic graining and coloration with hues of grey, pink, red and gold.
We have a matching pedestal that is sl...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
$2,200 Sale Price
21% Off
Classical Style Serpentine Marble Sink
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
A period style newly made sink cut from one block of Carrara marble,
features a serpentine shaped fully gadrooned molded surround.
Ideal for either old or new properties.
Custom ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Classical Roman Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Carrara Marble
$4,332 / item
18th Century Fireplace Mantel in Gris d'Ardenne Marble
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
Strong 18th century fireplace mantel in Gris d'Ardenne marble.
This monumental antique French fireplace is beautifully decorated with profiled paneling combined with a draped laur...
Category
18th Century French Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
China Large Stunning Red Flower Pandora Natural Marble Stone "Painting"
Located in South Burlington, VT
Magnificent Red Flower Pandora - Chinese extraordinary natural marble stone painting of a mythical sky landscape called a dream stone Shih-hua.
It is a huge monumental masterwork o...
Category
20th Century Chinese Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Vintage Carved Marble Fountain or Planter
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Fantastic one of a kind carved marble architectural piece, can be used in deferent functions as fountain, planter or table top with the right bas,
beautifully carve in India in whi...
Category
20th Century Indian Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
$1,920 Sale Price
75% Off
A bolection style Connemara Marble Mantel, Fireplace by Ryan & Smith
Located in Tyrone, Northern Ireland
A small to medium sized bolection style fire surround made from an old block of Irish Connemara marble, quarried over 100 years ago.
The block was only large enough to make two fireplaces, making each of these quite rare mantels.
A classic bolection style fireplace with a gently moulded frame on plain square plinths, carved in the solid from a beautiful old block of marble quarried over 100 years ago.
The solid pieces of nicely veined marble have markings that flow in an eye-pleasing fashion.
Made by Ryan & Smith in there Irish workshop.
Outside measurements are;
51" wide
45" tall
5.5" deep
Inside measurements are;
38.5" tall
38" wide
Connemara marble or "Irish green" is a rare variety of green marble from Connemara, Ireland. It is used as a decoration and building material. Its colour causes it to often be associated with the Irish identity, and for this reason it has been named the national gemstone of Ireland. It is named after the region in which it is found (Connemara, County Galway...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Northern Irish Modern Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Beautiful Neoclassical Noir De Mazy Black Marble Antique Fireplace Surround
Located in Oostvoorne, NL
Behold the exquisite Neoclassical Noir De Mazy black marble antique front fireplace, a testament to timeless beauty and refined craftsmanship. This meticulously designed fireplace ex...
Category
Late 19th Century Belgian Napoleon III Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Belgian Black Marble
A modern styled lilac marble mantel made by Ryan & Smith
Located in Tyrone, Northern Ireland
An early 20th century design which has a very modern appearance when produced in this strongly veined lilac marble.
The shape encapsulates simple architectural form and it's this si...
Category
2010s Northern Irish Art Deco Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Stunning Pair of Italian Neoclassical Inlaid Marble Bases or Pedestals
Located in Rome, IT
This elegant tapered pair of pedestals are raised by rectangular mottled edge white Carrara marble bases. The tapered column with cut corners have a central Tuscany "alabastro lista...
Category
1960s Italian Neoclassical Vintage Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
$13,269 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 1900 Hand Carved Marble Statue / Sculpture of Mother Mary w. Cross & Book
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful antique and all handcrafted, solid Carrara marble sculpture.
This rare work of religious art is entirely hand carved out of white marble. We are not certain, but we feel t...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Gothic Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Carrara Marble, Marble
Bowfronted Antique White Marble Fire Mantel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This stunning antique white marble fire mantel dates from the mid 1800s. Made entirely from statuary white marble, it is petite in scale with a cur...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Georgian Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble
Marble Stone Kitchen Sink Basin
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
Contemporary marble sink basin of simplistic design, made from one piece of stone, condition is good with character veins.
Limited Stock
Measures: 4' wide Std size
Can be made to or...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Carrara Marble
Piazza Outdoor Table
Located in Milan, IT
A striking addition to a patio, poolside, or terrace, this table is part of the Piazza Collection and evokes the understated elegance of Tuscan towns' piazzas. Inspired by traditiona...
Category
2010s Italian Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Stainless Steel
$7,872 / set
Classic Hand Carved Marble Fountain with Mascaron and Decorative Details
Located in Marbella, ES
Elegant classical style fountain made of hand-carved marble, with detailed ornamentation including spiral motifs and a central solar figure. Its artistic and refined design combines ...
Category
2010s European Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Italian Carved Stone Goose Geese Bird Garden Sculpture Statue 24"
Located in Dayton, OH
Heavy carved stone goose garden sculpture. Made in Italy circa 1930s.
Dimensions:
24" x 8" x 13.5"h
Category
1930s Vintage Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
$1,040 Sale Price
20% Off
Louis XV Potoro Marble Fireplace Mantel
Located in Southall, GB
French Rococo Louis XV fireplace mantel made in a superb Potoro marble. Hand carved molded shelf above a paneled frieze, centered by an elaborate scrolle...
Category
19th Century French Rococo Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
$10,773 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Italian 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Marble Pedestal Columns
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant pair of Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. Brèche Violette and Vert Campan marble pedestals. Each column is raised by a square Vert Campan base below a mottled cir...
Category
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
China Extra Large Natural Marble Stone "Painting" Magnificent Mountain Peak
Located in South Burlington, VT
This Chinese extraordinary natural marble stone painting of a mountain range in green and white colors is called a dream stone Shih-hua.
It is a monumental masterwork of nature. Totally natural.
Dimensions:
Hardwood frame: 54 inches tall and 73 inches length
Site: 46 inches tall and 65 inches length
This thin marble stone painting is approximately 3/8 inch thick and is cut from a large slab of rough material revealing a unique, incredible pattern in soft green and white colors.
This unique work of art was from historic Dali marble found in the Cangshan mountains of western China. These mysterious mountains, unique in the world, are known for yielding incredible and fantastic natural landscaped works of art created over tens of millions of years from mineral inclusions that affected the process of ancient organic material which transformed into limestone and finally resulted in marble- a metamorphic hard stone.
This art form is centuries of years old since the Ming dynasty. Dream stones became favored art in the west particularly since the 19th century when French collectors named them Pierres de reve.
History of Green Flower dream stone paintings:
“Green Flower” dream stone paintings known in China as Shui Mo or Chinese painting stone, were cut from stone found on Shuang Yang mountain in Dali moutains Captivating compositions, they might remind us of a long string of rugged mountain caps from a distance. These dream stones are cut from a scarce regional stone yielding notoriously “fuzzy” detailed paintings. To find examples possessing clear, contrasting detail like this one is indeed a rare find. Fine stone paintings like this example are rare as access to and availability of resource material diminishes. After a thin coating of wax is carefully applied to its surface to protect and reveal its beautiful subtle colors, this stone painting is signed upper right position with poetic verse and seal of an artisan who describes its majestic beauty as
Provenance: Private Chinese collection, Yunnan, China.
Reference: Dreaming of Dreamstones China’s Extraordinary Natural Stone Paintings, Schneible Fine Arts. Dreaming of Dreamstones – World’s first comprehensive English text publication covers China’s extraordinary natural Stone Paintings, by author and dream stone lecturer Douglas Schneible...
Category
20th Century Chinese Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
$19,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique French Carrara Marble Mantel
Located in Dallas, TX
A graceful 19th-century mantel from France, carved from luminous Carrara marble, prized for its soft white ground and delicate grey veining. Antique and reclaimed, this piece carries...
Category
19th Century Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Carrara Marble
21st Century Massa Garden Marble Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Timeless and distinct stylish garden or interior bench. The rectangular slab seat is inserted into the bases which are designed in a demi-lune shape. Hand carved in white marble with...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
19th Century Regency Scottish Kilkenny Fossil Marble Fireplace Surround.
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A rare Regency Edinburgh New Town 19th Century Kilkenny fossil marble fireplace surround. A plain shelf sits above a frieze with a centralised recessed oval tablet, above a carved co...
Category
1810s Scottish Regency Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
A French 19th Century Carved Marble Whimsical Figural Urn Fountain with Children
By Joseph Reynés I Gurgui
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine large, rare and charming, French, 19th century. Belle Époque carved white marble whimsical figural urn fountain depicting children climbing on an urn with flowers and garlands, influenced in the Louis XV style, by Joseph Reynés I Gurgui (Barcelona, 1850-1926). Signed: Reynes. Barcelona, circa 1890.
An almost identical Carrara marble fountain also by Josep Reynés carved in 1893 currently at the Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona, Spain.
Measures: Overall height: 55 inches (140 cm)
Marble height: 49 inches (124.5 cm)
width: 37 inches (94 cm)
depth: 30 inches (76.3 cm)
Joseph Reynes Gurguí (Barcelona, 1850 - 1926) is a Catalan sculptor, also known as Reynesy-Gurgui, Spanish school.
He studied at the Ecole de la Llotja, studied for a time in Paris, in the workshops of the great French sculptors Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1827-1875) and Carrier-Belleuse (1824-1887). He devoted himself mainly to interior decoration. His works were profoundly marked by a French influence. He exhibited in Paris in 1895 where he received an honorable mention. In 1890 he obtained the first medal in Madrid for "The Violinist".
Literature:
E. Benezit Dictionaire des Peintres, Sculpteurs, Dessinateurs et Graveurs by Grund - Nouvelle Edition, 1976 - Volume 8, Page 714.
Cristina Mensoza, Ramon Casas...
Category
19th Century Spanish Louis XV Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
$98,450 Sale Price
21% Off
Early 20th Century Large Marble Bank Frieze, Plaque with Beehive and Coins
Located in Stamford, CT
Early 20th Century large marble bank frieze, plaque with a single bee, beehive and Coins salvaged from a local bank built in 1929 in Stamford Ct.
The plaque featuring a beehive with...
Category
Early 20th Century American Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
An Italian Rococo Revival Statuary White Marble Fireplace Mantel
Located in London, GB
A mid 19th century Rococo revival chimney piece executed in superior Statuary white marble and profusely carved in high and low relief. The cantered jambs with large scrolled and bea...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Rococo Revival Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Statuary Marble
A large French Antique Louis XVI Period Calacatta Marble Fireplace Mantel
Located in London, GB
A large 18th century Louis XVI period fireplace, executed i pale and wonderfully veined Calacatta marble. The elegant slim jambs with carved ribbon twist fronts within fluted panels....
Category
1780s French Louis XVI Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Fine Rococo Louis XV Fireplace Mantel in Pavonazzo Marble
Located in London, GB
A fine Rococo Louis XV chimneypiece in pavonazzo marble. The serpentine shelf sits above a beautifully carved panelled frieze, centred with a shell cartouche framed by sprays of oliv...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Rococo Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Italian Neoclassical Marble Columns or Pedestals— 3 Available
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant Italian Green Marble Columns or Pedestals. Of note are the beautifully carved detail on the bodies, tops and bases of the columns, which are set on circular socles on square...
Category
1930s Italian Neoclassical Vintage Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Carrara Marble Fireplace Mantel 19th Century
Located in Udenhout, NL
A nice carrara marble firplace mantel from the 19th Century
with a marble floor plate.
To place in front of the chimney.
Category
1880s French Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Carrara Marble
Italian Ancient Marble Sculpture Fountain, Late 16th Century
Located in Milano, IT
Sea monster
Carrara marble mouth fountain
Italy, late 16th century
It measures 13.8 x 31.5 x 18.9 in (35 x 80 x 48 cm)
State of conservation: some small evident gaps and widespread signs of wear due to outdoor exposure. The gray marks crossing it do not come from restoration, but are rather the natural veins of the marble.
This work has some morphological characteristics typically associated with the iconography of the sea monster: an elongated muzzle, sharp teeth, protruding eyes, elongated ears, and a coiled serpent's tail.
An in-depth series of studies on artistic depictions of the sea monster attempted to verify how this symbol evolved in antiquity in the European and Mediterranean contexts and how it gradually changed its image and function over time. The iconography itself is mutable and imaginative and its history is rich with cultural and artistic exchange, as well as the overlapping of ideas. This occurred so much that it is difficult to accurately pinpoint the "types" that satisfactorily represent its various developments.
However, we can try to summarize the main figures, starting from the biblical Leviathan and the marine creature that swallowed Jonah (in the Christian version, this figure was to become a whale or a "big fish", the “ketos mega”, translation of the Hebrew “dag gadol”). Other specimens ranged from the dragons mentioned in the Iliad (which were winged and had legs) to "ketos” (also from Greek mythology), the terrifying being from whose Latinized name (“cetus”) derives the word "cetacean". See J. Boardman, “Very Like a Whale” - Classical Sea Monsters, in Monsters and Demons in the Ancient and Medieval Worlds, in Papers presented in Honor of Edith Porada, Mainz am Rhein 1987, pp. 73-84).
In Italy the monster underwent yet further variations: it can be found in Etruscan art on the front of some sarcophagi representing the companion of souls, while among the Romans we find the “Pistrice” (cited by Plinio in Naturalis Historia PLIN., Nat., II 9, 8 and by Virgilio in Eneide: VERG., Aen., III, 427), which appeared in the shape of a stylized hippocampus or a very large monstrous cetacean and evolved into a hideous being with a dragon's head and long webbed fins.
During the Middle Ages, the sea monster was the object of new transformations: at this time, it is often winged, the head is stretched like a crocodile, the front legs are often very sharp fins - sometimes real paws - until the image merges with dragons, the typical figures of medieval visionary spirituality widely found throughout Europe (on this topic and much more, see: Baltrušaitis, J., Il Medioevo fantastico. Antichità ed esotismi nell’arte gotica, Gli Adelphi 1997).
In Italy during the 15th and 16th centuries, the revival of classicism - representative of the humanistic and Renaissance periods - led to a different reading of these "creatures". Indeed, the sea monster was also to find widespread use as an isolated decorative motif, especially in numerous fountains and sculptures where dolphins or sea monsters were used as a characterizing element linked to water (on this theme see: Chet Van Duzer, Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps, London, The British library, 2013).
From the morphological point of view, the "sea monsters" of this period are mostly depicted as hybrid figures, in which the body of a mythological or real being (a hippocampus, a sea snake, a dolphin), is joined to a head with a rather indistinct appearance. It was usually characterized by large upright ears, an elongated snout, sharp teeth and globular, protruding eyes; a complex and indefinite figure, both from the symbolic point of view and from that of its genesis.
The work we are examining is placed as a cross between the medieval sea serpent and the Renaissance dolphin, with stylistic features which recall the snake as often used in heraldry (such as the "snake" depicted in the coat of arms of the Visconti - the lords and then dukes of Milan between 1277 and 1447 - and which, for some, may be derived from the representations of the “Pistrice” that swallowed Jonah).
In the search for sources, Renaissance cartography and in particular woodcuts should not be neglected. See for example the monsters of Olaus Magnus, from the editions of the “Historia de gentibus septentrionalibus” (“History of the peoples of the north”) and the natural histories of Conrad Gesner, Ulisse...
Category
16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Carrara Marble
Bolection Fireplace Surround in Reclaimed Pink Marble
Located in Ware, GB
Pretty in pink, this Art Deco-inspired fireplace surround crafted from reclaimed Portuguese Rossa Aurora Marble, highlights the stone’s natural pink hues through its clean, understat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Art Deco Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Antique Italian Neoclassical Patinated Bronze Putti Jardiniere
Located in Forney, TX
A stylish and high-quality bronze neoclassical style sculpture in the form of a sophisticated standing winged putti (cherub-angel) holding a marble basin, dating to the early 20th century.
This striking bronze features a finely detailed classic putti adorned in flowing narrow robe, standing atop an impressive and sumptuous tapering tripartite form sculptural stand, richly decorated with incised swirl accents, shell and grotesque mask medallions, rising on three shapely legs with high relief acanthus leaf decorated knees, ending in substantial sized whimsical paw and claw...
Category
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Neoclassical Carrara Marble Pedestal Table, Sculpture Stand or Column Italy 1950
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant Carrara marble pedestal table, stand, column from Italy made in circa 1950.
Hand carved with attention to detail and Greek Key Decor.
This ...
Category
1950s Italian Neoclassical Vintage Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Carrara Marble
Italian White Marble Birdbath or Garden Sculpture
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 20th century Italian Renaissance Revival period white marble bird bath or garden sculpture. In four parts: low stepped platform base, tall pedestal, large shell and cherub. ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Late 19th Century Victorian Manner Veined Marble Fireplace Surround.
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A late 19th Century Victorian manner profusely veined fireplace surround in Filetto Rosso marble.
A plain shelf sits above an unadorned frieze, flanked by wide jambs with raised bul...
Category
1950s English Victorian Vintage Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Pair Of Istrian Stone Columns, Venice 16th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Pair Of Istrian Stone Columns, Venice 16th Century
Category
16th Century French Louis XIII Antique Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Rare Monumental Italian Carved Carrara Marble Model of a Cathedral
Located in Queens, 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 Marble Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Carrara Marble
$87,500 Sale Price
50% Off
Read More
39 Incredible Swimming Pools
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
This Lavish 18th-Century Chimneypiece Comes from a Historic Scottish Estate
The exceptionally crafted mantel was saved despite the home’s regrettable demise.
A Pair of Monumental Stone Tigers Protect and Guide Wandering Souls
The Qing dynasty beasts honored the dead and warned off malicious spirits.
Andrés Monnier’s Stone Tub Makes Bathing a Rite of Renewal
The dramatic piece transforms a daily scrub into an act of communion with the elements.
Meet the Siblings behind the Exquisite Outdoor Furniture of McKinnon and Harris
Anne and Will Massie apply the lessons of the past to create alfresco pieces as timeless as the traditions that inspire them.
35 Wondrous Outdoor Dining Spaces
Eating meals alfresco is one of the great pleasures of warm weather, and a beautifully appointed space only heightens the experience. Get inspired by these delectable dining areas as you think about creating your own outdoor oasis.
In These Chic Homes, Indoors and Outdoors Freely Mingle
Through potted plants, garden furniture, nature-inspired art and architectural apertures, designers are bringing the outside in.
24 Perfect Patios with Fire Pits and Fireplaces
In these stylish spaces, the outdoor season extends year round.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Iron Window Grates
Vintage Antique Windows
Antique Stone Horse
Cast Iron Face
Indian Carved Panel
Old Church Stained Glass Windows
Torso Statue
Tudor Panel
19th Century Spanish Olive Jar
Antique Church Salvage
Antique Diamond Windows
Antique Iron Anchor
Bird Fountains
Lancet Window
Putti Fountains
Rams Head Pedestal
Turkish Urn
Vintage Hanging Pot