Renaissance Building and Garden Elements

This exceptional iron cast fireback of 750 kg, richly decorated, was made at the end of the Renaissance, around 1624. It bears in its center a shield wit...

Fireback from 1561 with the coat of arms of Jacques de Tige, son of Gobert de Tige and Catherine de Serainchamps, and Blanche de Villelongue, daughter of Jean de Villelongue and Clau...

This sculpture has taken on a different character over time as it has weathered and the detailing has softened. Time has given it a pared down, minimalist quality juxtaposing the R...

A stunning and most impressive French 19th century Renaissance st. ormolu, patinated bronze and Rouge Griotte marble planter/stand. The planter is raise...

Lovely pair of Italian traditional Impruneta terracotta fruit baskets: Cesto di Frutta. Woven motif on the baskets, Florence, Italy. Circa 1960...

Brazier. Copper. Possibly Castile, 16th century. Brazier made of copper with a circular foot decorated with vertical bands, a low tubular shaft enhanced with a fine roped molding and a semicircular body, with a wide mouth that flares outwards, and two halfrectangle-shaped metal handles with a torso part on the sides. Of the piece. These types of pieces were used both in civil and ecclesiastical interiors with the aim of heating the occupants of the room as much as possible, and their conservation is rare because they are utilitarian elements that were discarded over time or due to be damaged They used to be objects destined for the upper class, and followed the same typologies whether they were destined for a sacristy or a private residence. This case, possibly intended for use in the sacristy, shows a typical typology in the Spanish school of the time. Compare, for example, with the brazier present in The Birth of the Virgin Mary of the Altarpiece assembled around 1520 by Pedro de Guadalupe from Valladolid and found in the church of San Esteban...

17th Century English carved oak corbel “The Green Man”. Rare antique decorative architectural ornament of the enigmatic Green Man. Images and carvings ca...

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...

Hand Carved Stone Column Base pedestal Sculpture Doorstop Decorative Element LA Nicely hand carved 17th century Renaissance stone column base appliqu...

Pictured in the Caldwell archives at the Smithsonian, this important pair of enormous andirons are in the Italian Renaissance style.

Magnificent pair of cathedral andirons of neo-renaissance inspiration in gilt bronze, adorned with a roaring lion's head surmounted by an obelisk-shaped spire. The irons are thick...

Wall fountain out of hand-carved white marble with a stepped base, profiled basin and a tall rear wall.

This outstanding Tonnerre stone fireplace is a masterpiece of the first French Renaissance. It was sculpted in 1534, under the reign of King François the 1st for Philippe Merlan (1503-1546), Baron of Montpont, Lord of Jully-lez-Arnay-le-Duc. This monumental fireplace...

These fireplace chenets are a wonderful example of French “haute epoque” iron work. They are estimated to have been created in the early 16th century. The artistic nature and high qu...

Wall fountain with small basin with profiled wall and segmental top with shell decoration.

20th century French Renaissance style fireback with the Arms of France. A Coat of Arms of the House of Bourbon, an originally French royal house that ...

16th - 17th century French Renaissance period fire grate. Made of beautifully forged wrought iron and bronze. The condition is good. The width at the front is 93 cm (36.6 inches). ...

Antique English Renaissance Unicorn, lion shield figural brass coal bucket bin. Item features ornate debossed brass form with lions, unicorn, shield, winge...

Wonderful stone carving of a kings face. Probably English. I have dated it at least, 19th century. It is most likely earlier than this. Difficult to be precise. Free UK shipping

Rare antique sculpture in italian white Carrara marble. Great artistic quality, not signed. This rare sculpture can be dated to around the middle of the 16th century in the Renaissan...

Stone Capital. Very decorative. 17th Century, France. Made with stone. Good vintage condition. The Renaissance is a period in European history marki...

A stately round cast stone table top supported by 3 cast stone lion figured legs. The table has wonderful aged patina and character only time ca...

Considered Solomons columns from his temple. With corinthian capitols and spiral fluted columnar support. Plinth base.

Vintage Cast Brass Figural Renaissance Soldier Warrior Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Item features cast brass figural forms of warriors, cast iron supports, very nice vintage pair, gr...

A striking and high quality French 19th century Renaissance st. ormolu and Alabastro Fiorito marble urn. The urn is raised by a remarkable square orm...

16th century Spanish Renaissance period fire grate. Made of beautifully forged wrought iron and bronze. The condition is good. Mea...

Column of carved and polychrome wood that has a capital reminiscent of the classical order (volutes, acanthus leaves in levels), a series of moldings separating the shaft from the re...

These two busts, monumental in both their size and artistry, come from the renowned Italian majolica workshop of the famed Angelo Minghetti. Depicted are the Renaissance political an...

A striking cast Iron and brass late 19th Century Hooded Fire Grate. The grate is supported by a pair of large, brass monopodial griffin with splayed claw feet. The grate has be...

This monumental Italian wall fountain was hand-carved in verona rossa marble in the early 1900’s. Truly the work of a master mason, the fountain is comprised of three thick pieces of richly carved marble, with each piece weighing several hundred pounds. The marble has lovely salmon color with cream inclusions that has developed a soft patina. The 3 ¼” deep back wall is adorned with a repetitive C-scroll border. A winged lion mascaron hovers above a geometric panel filled with nondescript interlaced carvings. Below the panel is a scalloped shell with sprawling barbed rinceaux that flows between a pair of volute scrolls on the edge of the wall. The shell has a small, incised circle where a spout or tap can be placed, depending on the desired use. Beneath the vertical wall is an 8 ½” thick sinuous bowl embellished with thick quarter round molding. The front façade has a stylized coat of arms consisting of a shaped shield emblazoned with a fleur de lys. Inside the basin, the back wall has been carved with a pair of volute C-scrolls surrounding bundled leaves. At the base of the leaves is a small drainage hole. Three volutes highlight the luxurious column that sits on a rectangular plinth with two canted corners. All three volutes are in the traditional S-shape, with two of them flanking the larger channeled scroll. A small fleur de lys graces the front of the plinth, which has gently sloped top edges. There is a thin grooved molding near the base. A natural conversation piece for any courtyard or garden setting, the Renaissance style Italian wall fountain can be used indoors or outside. It could also be used as a large sink...

Italian Renaissance-style (19/20th Century) rectangular shaped wrought iron low fernery with floral and scroll design.     

Weathered Renaissance carved oak panel, originally from a piece of furniture.

Massive pair of Italian columns completely restored in faux paint and gold leaf. The base is 18" x 18" all in one piece.

This is a patinated bronze large round Tazza urn with pedestal. There is a mask of Bacchus with hair made of grapes leaves and ram horns over his head adorni...

A most impressive pair of French 19th century Renaissance st. cast iron andirons. Each andiron is raised by a thick U shaped support at the front and an elongated single back leg ext...

Set of 3 English Renaissance style (19th Century) leaded glass window panels with diamond design and figure in center (PRICED AS SET).

A most impressive and large-scale pair of French 17th century Renaissance period cast iron andirons. Each beautiful andiron is raised by thick U-shaped support at the front and an el...

A magnificent medieval Renaissance period architectural holy water font lavabo. Born in a Christian church in Continental Europe during the middle ages, likely Italian 16th or 17th century, exquisitely hand-crafted by a highly skilled artisan, with exceptional craftsmanship, ornate and finely detailed, the rare and one of a kind forged bronze and brass upper presenting with gothic shaped palm frond back, domed lid with tall finial decorated in relief, the fountain reservoir is decorated with central mounted Star of Bethlehem four pointed pentagram star embellishment as well as other applied ormolu adornments, a narrow elongated spigot with valve dispenses the holy water below. A later gilt brass stoop catches the water, the nicely styled, demilune shaped wall mounted antique...

- Magnificent set of 4 windows of the 19th century representing the great painters of the Flemish Renaissance. At the top of each stained-glass window are men playing guitar, smokin...

An exceptional French 17th century Renaissance period solid Pierre de Bourgogne fireplace mantel, circa 1650. The mantel is raised by two elegant j...

The antique wrought iron bracket is decorated with curls and a spear-like tip. Holes on the side bar can be used to secure to the side of...

An impressive and extremely decorative true pair of French 19th century Renaissance st. patinated bronze and ormolu columns signed Barbedienne. Each column is raised by superb lion legs with handsome paw feet and exceptional ormolu palmette leaves. At the base is an elegant urn shaped support with fine foliate and reeded designs with impressive richly chased open winged maidens at each side. The circular lightly tapered central supports display exceptional and finely detailed wrap around ormolu plaques with superb bison skulls...

Pair of English Renaissance style (19th Century) large leaded glass window panels with center medallion.

These magnificent andirons are period French Renaissance, and they date to the 1500s. There are fluted columns with balusters and a shield with a crown beneath. Pairs of winged angel...

Pair of Italian Renaissance style (19th cent) polychromed life size kneeling angels with gilt wings.           

A very fine statuary white marble fireplace in the Italian Renaissance manner. The carved jambs featuring classical amphorae surmounted by fruit, acorns, ribbons and foliage topped w...

Renaissance fireback with the coat of arms of Philip III of Spain. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a brown patina. The fireback has serious cracks...

Pair of Italian Renaissance style (19th Cent) polychromed life size kneeling figures.       

Victorian antique Majolica jardinière of the Four Seasons by Minton English, c. 1905 Measures: Height 39cm, diameter 32cm This charact...

An Italian hand carved wooden putto figure. This vintage figure from Italy has been hand carved of wood and depicts a nude male child, standing in a twist...

An antique hand carved Rosso Verona marble sculpture or mask of Zeus with detailed carvings, in good condition. Similar can be viewed at the temple collection in the British museum i...

17th-18th century French Renaissance fireback with the arms of Leopold I, Duke of Lorraine. The arms are surrounded by a chain of the Golden Fleece. The symbol of this order is a sma...

Neoclassical style building element in the neoclassical taste. Antique French long segment of zinc metal architectural fragment that will make a unique wall decor piece. This piece f...

This absolutely remarkable and rare stone table from Provence is dated 1570, and from the appearance of the hand-carved motifs, the carving was most l...

Antique Italian Carrara marble mantel in the Venetian Renaissance style. The jambs with rope twist Corinthian columns supporting large acanthus br...

Pair of early 20th century cast iron urns with decorative foliate work and scroll handles. Beautiful shape and detail with a good patina for the age. Perfect for statement for your g...

19th century salin foundry French neoclassical cast iron sculpture statue, France Features two boys playing Front of plinth inscribed Salin, France Salin Foundry, Dammarie-sur-S...

A monumental 16th century sandstone Renaissance fireplace mantel. Finely sculpted with a moulded beam and colomn supports. Decorated with flower motives, guirlandes and cirkels. Lov...