Sculptures

A rare and very fine bronze corpus of Christ after a model by Michelangelo, cast ca. 1597-1600 by Juan Bautista Franconio and painted in 1600 by Francisco Pacheco in Seville, Spain. The present corpus reproduces a model attributed to Michelangelo. The best known example, lesser in quality, is one on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET). The association of this corpus with Michelangelo was first brought to light by Manuel Gomez-Moreno (1930-33) who studied the wider circulated casts identified throughout Spain. The attribution to Michelangelo was subsequently followed by John Goldsmith-Phillips (1937) of the MET and again by Michelangelo expert, Charles de Tolnay (1960). While Michelangelo is best known for his monumental works, there are four documented crucifixes he made. The best known example is the large-scale wooden crucifix for the Church of Santa Maria del Santo Spirito in Florence, made in 1492 as a gift for the Prior, Giovanni di Lap Bicchiellini, for allowing him to study the anatomy of corpses at the hospital there. In 1562, Michelangelo wrote two letters to his nephew, Lionardo, indicating his intention to carve a wooden crucifix for him. In 1563 a letter between Lionardo and the Italian sculptor Tiberio Calcagni, mentions this same crucifix (a sketch of a corpus on the verso of a sheet depicting Michelangelo’s designs for St. Peter’s Basillica [Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille] may reproduce this). That Michelangelo was working on small corpora in the last years of his life is further evidenced by the small (26.5 cm) unfinished wooden crucifix located at the Casa Buonarroti, considered his last known sculptural undertaking. Michelangelo’s contemporary biographer, Giorgio Vasari additionally cites that Michelangelo, in his later years, made a small crucifix for his friend, Menighella, as a gift. Surviving sketches also indicate Michelangelo’s study of this subject throughout his career, most notably during the end of his life but also during the 1530s-40s as he deepened his spiritual roots. The occasional cameo of crucified Christ’s throughout his sketched oeuvre have made it challenging for scholars to link such sketches to any documented commissions of importance. All the while, in consideration that such objects were made as gifts, it is unlikely they should be linked with commissions. Nonetheless, a number of theories concerning Michelangelo’s sketches of Christ crucified have been proposed and some may regard the origin of the present sculpture. It has been suggested that the corpus could have its impetus with Michelangelo’s work on the Medici Chapel, whose exclusive design was given to the master. It is sensible smaller details, like an altar cross, could have fallen under his responsibility (see for example British Museum, Inv. 1859,0625.552). Others have noted the possibility of an unrealized large marble Crucifixion group which never came to fruition but whose marble blocks had been measured according to a sheet at the Casa Buonarroti. A unique suggestion is that Michelangelo could have made the crucifix for Vittoria Colonna, of whom he was exceedingly fond and with whom he exchanged gifts along with mutual spiritual proclivities. In particular, Vittoria had an interest in the life of St. Bridget, whose vision of Christ closely resembles our sculpture, most notably with Christ’s proper-left leg and foot crossed over his right, an iconography that is incredibly scarce for crucifixes. The suggestion could add sense to Benedetto Varchi’s comment that Michelangelo made a sculpted “nude Christ…he gave to the most divine Marchesa of Pescara (Vittoria Colonna).” Of that same period, two sketches can be visually linked to our sculpture. Tolnay relates it to a sketch of a Crucified Christ at the Teylers Museum (Inv. A034) of which Paul Joannides comments on its quality as suggestive of preparations for a sculptural work. Joannides also calls attention to a related drawing attributed to Raffaello da Montelupo copying what is believed to be a lost sketch by Michelangelo. Its relationship with our sculpture is apparent. Montelupo, a pupil of Michelangelo’s, returned to Rome to serve him in 1541, assisting with the continued work on the tomb of Pope Julius II, suggesting again an origin for the corpus ca. 1540. The earliest firm date that can be given to the present corpus is 1574 where it appears as a rather crudely conceived Crucifixion panel, flanked by two mourners in low-relief and integrally cast for use as the bronze tabernacle door to a ciborium now located at the Church of San Lorenzo in Padula. Etched in wax residue on the back of the door is the date, 27 January 1574, indicating the corpus would have at least been available as a model by late 1573. The Padula tabernacle was completed by Michelangelo’s assistant, Jacopo del Duca and likely has its origins with Michelangelo’s uncompleted tabernacle for the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Rome. The impetus for the Padula tabernacle’s Crucifixion panel begins with a series of late Crucifixion sketches by Michelangelo, depicting a scene of Christ crucified and flanked by two mourners (see British Museum Inv. 1895.0915.510; Ashmolean Museum Inv. 1846.89, KP II 343 recto; Windsor Castle RCIN 912761 recto; and Louvre Inv. 700). A faintly traced block possibly intended for sculpting the sketch of the crucified Christ on its recto was discovered by Tolnay on a version of the composition at Windsor Castle. The Windsor sketch and those related to it appear to have served as preparatory designs for what was probably intended to become the Basilica of St. Mary’s tabernacle door. Vasari documents that the project was to be designed by Michelangelo and cast by his assistant, Jacopo del Duca. Michelangelo died before the commission was complete, though on 15 March 1565, Jacopo writes to Michelangelo’s nephew stating, “I have started making the bronze tabernacle, depending on the model of his that was in Rome, already almost half complete.” Various circumstances interrupted the completion of the tabernacle, though its concept is later revitalized by Jacopo during preparations to sell a tabernacle, after Michelangelo’s designs, to Spain for Madrid’s El Escorial almost a decade later. The El Escorial tabernacle likewise encountered problems and was aborted but Jacopo successfully sold it shortly thereafter to the Carthusians of Padula. An etched date, 30 May 1572, along the base of the Padula tabernacle indicates its framework was already cast by then. A 1573 summary of the tabernacle also describes the original format for the door and relief panels, intended to be square in dimension. However, a last minute decision to heighten them was abruptly made during Jacopo’s negotiations to sell the tabernacle to King Phillip II of Spain. Shortly thereafter the commission was aborted. Philippe Malgouyres notes that the Padula tabernacle’s final state is a mixed product of the original design intended for Spain’s El Escorial, recycling various parts that had already been cast and adding new quickly finished elements for its sale to Padula, explaining its unusually discordant quality, particularly as concerns the crudeness of the door and relief panels which were clearly made later (by January 1574). Apart from his own admission in letters to Spain, it is apparent, however, that Jacopo relied upon his deceased master’s designs while hastily realizing the Padula panels. If Michelangelo had already earlier conceived a crucifix model, and Jacopo had access to that model, its logical he could have hastily employed it for incorporation on the door panel to the tabernacle. It is worth noting some modifications he made to the model, extending Christ’s arms further up in order to fit them into the scale of the panel and further lowering his chin to his chest in order to instill physiognomic congruence. A crude panel of the Deposition also follows after Michelangelo’s late sketches and is likewise known by examples thought to be modifications by Jacopo based upon Michelangelo’s initial sculptural conception (see Malgouyres: La Deposition du Christ de Jacopo del Duca, chef-d’oeuvre posthume de Michel-Ange). Jacopo’s appropriation of an original model by Michelangelo for more than one relief on the Padula tabernacle adds further indication that the crucifix was not an object unique to Jacopo’s hand, as few scholars have posited, but rather belongs to Michelangelo’s original...

Ebony wood hand carved anglo Indian elephant sculpture. Gorgeous vintage black hand carved wood ebony Anglo-Indian elephant. This is a hand ca...

A super cool pair of patinated bronze figurative sculptures in the style of renowned South African sculptor/ artist Sydney Kumalo, circa 1960s. The minim...

IMPORTANT SEDES SAPIENTIAE VIRGIN AND CHILD ALSO CALLED « THRONE OF WISDOM » ORIGIN: FRANCE, BURGUNDY PERIOD: EARLY 13th CENTURY Height : 75 cm Len...

This verdigris metal crab statue was most likely made in the 1960s in Italy. Can not tell the maker or the artist and it is not signed. This particular crab statue is a beautiful pie...

This is a wonderful Gigas Tridacna also known as clam shell from the ocean in great condition

This is a bronzed, plated metal sculpture, in the style of the antique statues and figures of the Etruscans. It is a gorgeous interior furnishing item, an incredibly stylized Horse a...

Impressive Art Deco Bronze Sculpture of a Panther by Emile Louis Bracquemond, bronze with black patina, on a Belgian black marble base. Signed and with founders signature Etling Par...

Karl Hagenauer Style Art Deco Bronze, Europe, 1930s. This is a wonderful Karl Hagenauer style art deco bronze, made in the early 20th century. Very well designed - somewhat abstra...

SILVERED BRONZE From our Sculpture collection, we are pleased to offer this rare example Art Deco Bronze Figure by Paul Philippe. The figure beautifully raised upon a geometric bla...

Joel Escalona's Modern Totem, Dark Burned Oak Creation, Still Stand No84 —— Joel Escalona's wooden standing sculptures are objects of raw beauty and serene grace. Each one is a tes...

Large Mid-century Modern Amber Lucite Grapes, Olive Branch Stem Offered for sale is a large mid-century modern amber acrylic Lucite and olive branch cluster of grapes. The cluster i...

Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown bright red, yellow and lavender Italian art glass horse head figurine / sculpture. The piece is documented to the Gambaro & Poggi company, with an...

Daniel Pollock organic modern carved wood stool or sculptural object hand carved out of pine wood. This is a very heavy piece and the imperfections only add to its charm and appeal. ...

Painted ceramic, good original vintage condition. Beautiful and unique decorative sculptures. White Spaniel Dogs Sculpture was produced in Staffordshire, England in 1960s. Only one pair of dogs...

A Pair of Artistically created birds for table decor, silver-plated peacocks - ideal for a coffee table or bookends. These figures are Classic Hollywood Regency! They are each unique...

The Bonnie range is designed around the stylized form of a Saffron flower, known around the world for its valuable beauty, fragrance and essence. Each part is handmade, wether it be cast, milled, fabricated and finished from our Swedish workshop. With a combination of hand-brushed and polished surfaces, this solid brass fixture...

Monumental Wooden Sculpture Inspired in Constantin Brancusi Style, Unseen Force 27 by Joel Escalona This monolithic sculpture, designed by...

A pair of two concrete stone lions. Such a wonderful way to add a regal look to an entryway. (Or perhaps even a driveway.) Each lion sits on its hind legs, with its front paws outstr...

Unique Postmodern 1970s decorative 3D owl, tabletop sculpture in clear Lucite well done piece. Triangle shape.

In their long career, Belgian ( interior) designers and architects Claire Bataille and Paul Ibens have remained true to their starting point: striving for the greatest possible simpl...

Art Deco style panther sculpture BAGHERA by Max Le Verrier. Signed Le Verrier and with foundry mark Le Verrier Paris. Designed around 1920. Posthumous contemporary cast. Patinated ...

A matching pair of treacle-glazed porcelain horse figurines. Crafted to a 'Tang Dynasty' style in 1970s China. Overall, both are in good condition for their age and use. One horse ...

American bronze figure on horse gong down a steep incline on green oval-shaped base (later 20th Cent.recast of "Mountain Man" by Remington) Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age...

A painted pottery figure of a prancing horse, with right leg raised and head turned towards the left, the head well modelled with crisp features below pricked ears, saddle painted wi...

A circa 1960's Italian silver plated horse head. Measurements: Height: 8" Length: 6" Width: 2.5"

Classic early 1910s Desk Catchall figurine. This polychromed cold painted metal is probably something you need if you’re a Vienna bronze or a dog figure collector. Also nice as a gif...

Sculptural Parrot bird on metal perch, made of mixed metals (copper, brass). This 1970s piece follows the style of Sergio Bustamante. The mix of metals adds vibrancy and depth to the...

A great handmade ceramic horse sculpture by Dorothy Kindell, circa 1940s. This rare piece is quite large, in good vintage condition (some minor...

Murano Sommerso Teardrop Glass Sculpture, Attributed to Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d’Arte A striking Murano glass teardrop sculpture in the...

Torch cut brass elements constitute the mass of this great Brutalist wall hanging sculpture, marked "Friedle" Very good orig...

Large Italian Grand Tour Bronze Sculpture "Dying Galata"/Dying Gaul, C. 1875, Attributed to Naples Foundry  A remarkable large Italian Grand Tour bronze sculpture titled "Dying Galata" or "Dying Gaul," dating circa 1875 and attributed to the renowned Naples Foundry. This exquisite piece, an expertly cast bronze, retains its original black-brown patina and boasts a substantial size, standing 12 inches high, 26.5 inches wide, and 13.5 inches deep. It is a distinguished example of the iconic Grand Tour sculptures, which were popular souvenirs for affluent travelers during the 19th century. The sculpture is a faithful rendition of the ancient Roman marble statue "The Dying Gaul," also known as "The Dying Galatian" or "The Dying Gladiator." The original marble, now housed in the Capitoline Museums in Rome, is a Roman copy of a lost Greek bronze sculpture...

A hand carved rock crystal heron bird sculpture engraved with detailed patterns. The birds beak and crest are made from agate. The bird stands on a large, natural amethyst geode base...

This significantly sized, excellently serrated megalodon tooth is five to ten million years old out of South Carolina, USA. The megalodon was the most massive predatory shark to ever...

Elegant Art Deco sculpture of an athletic scouting / watching male figure by Jean de Roncourt from France around 1930. Very good original condition, greenish patinated Spelter / Zinc...

The now iconic bronze coupe vase from the Rick Owens bronze relic collection. This is shown in the nitrate patina. Each piece is handmade and hand patinated so there is always a slig...

Medusa Sea Anemone Signed Original Sculpture, Mixed Media UPDATE: Due to agreement with 1stDibs, we'll be staying through the end of the year. This intriguing sculpture is mixed medi...

"Egyptian Revival style (mid-20th Cent) terra cotta figure of a stylized dog (chips and losses to snout) chips and losses to snout"

A beautiful set of five (5) Italian marble egg sculptures, in the Modern style, circa mid-20th century, Italy. Eggs include marble, alabaster and T...

White Bowerbird couple is a contemporary double-shell hand-built ceramic pendant lamp finished in a matte white glaze with a warm glow reflecting off of a round joyful form. Each shell is individually hand formed and unique, creating a pleasant rhythm when installed as a pair. The hand-built ceramic canopy, finials and socket cover add an enjoyable character. Component dimensions: Shell 4-6 diameter x 12-14 height in. / 10-13 diameter x 30-36 height cm; 2 lbs / 1 kg each Custom drop length, please specify 5 in. / 12.5 cm diameter ceramic canopy Materials: Shells, canopies, socket covers and finials in hand-built ceramic in a warm-white matte glaze, off-white nylon-covered SVT lamp wire, brushed brass hardware, and electrical components Light source: 1 x E-12 candelabra base per shell 25W incandescent lamp included Compatible with LED replacement lamps Additional info: Each lamp is individually hand-built without using a mould to create an enjoyable uniqueness and spatial balance within each form. Variations in dimensions, forms, and finishes are expected. The story: White Bowerbird collection is from Courtship behaviour, a project inspired by the curious behaviour of the Satin Bowerbird, the eastern Australian birds...

This is a plaster bust reproducing the Torso Gaddi, the famous fragmentary sculpture displayed in the Uffizi Museums in Florence, which inspired many great artists of the Renaissance, including Michelangelo. The piece, handcrafted by the skilled artists of Galleria Romanelli...

Beautiful tall bronze & marble base by listed artist Charles Renee Masse, signed title Jeune Arabe, this piece its part of a series that have many auction results. Signed dated " Ch....

Donald Duck Cast Iron Stop/Enter Doorstop by Walt Disney Productions, 1971  Signed by Walt Disney Productions, 1971  A rare and authentic 1971 Walt Disney Productions Donald Duck Cast Iron Stop/Enter Doorstop is a collector's gem. Measuring inches high, 5 inches wide, and 3 inches deep, this unique piece features Donald Duck in his classic sailor shirt, cap, and bow tie, holding a movable and removable 2-inch diameter green "Enter" and red "Stop" sign. Due to patent infringements, only a limited number of these doorstops were produced, as Disney had not granted permission for their creation, making original pieces like this highly sought-after. Unlike the numerous "knock-offs" on the market, this doorstop is guaranteed to be original, complete with its authentic sign. It remains in near-mint condition, with the paint still brightly colored, showcasing the high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail typical of Disney products. This doorstop not only serves a practical function but also stands as a delightful piece of Disney memorabilia...

'Line Sapphire' is a unique cast and hand-made glass sculpture by the Danish artist, Karin Mørch. Mørch’s inspiration often derives from simple expressions and in the contrast betwe...

Green patinated bronze sculpture of an archer by Michel Decoux (1837-1924). This petite Art Deco sculpture beautifully captures the elegant formal language of the period. Crafted in ...

Italian School Sculpture "Hermaphrodite" 19th Century Carrara White Marble Group presented on a marble base Total height: 18 cm Width: 46.5 cm Depth: 25.5 cm good condition some defe...

Kawa Series Large Vessel 05 Oversized white ceramic vessel with textured porcelain exterior surface and clear glazed interior. Made by casting liquid clay into sewn leather molds, a...

Biomorphic Carved Wood Sculpture in the style of Isamu Noguchi, Unseen Force 17 by Joel Escalona This monolithic sculpture, designed by the talented Artist Joel Escalona, is a towering example of beauty in craftsmanship. Hand and digital machine made; the standing sculpture stands...

Introducing further pieces to our upcoming Studio Bucchi collection. These are a limited edition, bespoke order pieces. All materials used in the creation of these exceptional pieces...

Khadim Diop, the Senegalese artist renowned for his bronze sculptures that adorn many private collections worldwide, has crafted two captivating and expressive pieces that showcase his mastery of the medium, a rare find in the market outside Africa! The first sculpture portrays a dynamic figure playing the Djembe drum...

Substantial hand carved soapstone Asian warrior sculptures, most commonly used as bookends.

Super rare and hard to find black finish "Birds in Flight" desk sculpture by Curtis Jere for Artisan House, circa 1969. The piece is in very good vintage condition and has great colo...

This Genuine Amethyst Cluster Geode from Uruguay is a top quality natural formation of gem amethyst. The half geode cathedral decor features lustrous fully terminated crystals with h...

Lalique France Crystal “Le Faune” Dancing Nude Lovers Pan & Diana Figurine, from the 1960s. This Crystal Figurine features two nude lovers, Pan and Diana, dancing in a romantic pose....

Limited edition High Porcelain sculpture of a dragon, the symbol of power and good fortune in Asian cultures, in a special version to commemorate Lladró’s 70th anniversary. A represe...

Wall plate Morbelli.

Vintage MCM large brass and light wood angel fish sculpture by Frederick Cooper, circa 1970s. The piece sits on a brass pole on a wood base and is in good vintage condition; it measu...

Large Bolivian Amethyst Cluster Specimen Weighing 14.5 lbs. Offered for sale is a large Bolivian Amethyst Cluster example with gorgeous vibrant color and huge points. Bolivian amet...

TABLE NO. 15 - SIDE TABLE J.M. Szymanski d. 2019 This Noguchi-inspired side table is handcrafted in 3/8” thick steel, with a natural black patina and wax finish, to create an ulta-...

Art Deco bronze sculpture two panther heads by Irenee Rochard, France 1930. Bust of two panthers. The bronze has a green patina and stands on a Belgian Black marble base. Literature...