Marble Animal Sculptures

Gilded bronze sculpture with marble base of an arabic man with a horse.

Bookends horse faux ivory and portoro marble Italian design, 1950s.

Carved marble bird with ruby eyes resting on a rock with crystals, 20th century. Hand painted.

Stunning marble clock with gilt wine leafs, grape bunch and more. To us, this French antique clock epitomizes everything the Art Deco period st...

These are a beautiful pair of good quality French, Art Deco period, book ends of two metal bronzed swans on marble bases. Each swan has been well modelled with good detail and th...

A pair of stylised tessellated marble and brass perched birds by Maitland Smith USA circa 1980.

Wonderful work of art for displaying on a side table, dresser etc. This Art Deco sculpture embodies everything we love about art and antiques. The beautiful and realistic, young fem...

Decorative antique bronze sculpture of an eagle, on a marble base.

A decorative bronze horse with nice detail and patina on a lovely green marble base.

An antique French novelty bronze inkwell modeled as 'Les deux rats et l'oeuf' mounted on a red veined marble base and dating from the latter 19th century. The inkwell is based on the...

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...

Antique bronze inkwell in the shape of a bear's head with glass eyes. The sculpture is mounted on a red marble base and has a glass container. ...

French Art Deco Greyhound Marble and Patinated Spelter circa 1930 Good condition Shipping: P12/ L 35/ H 13.

This bronzed swallow and black marble clock is one of our favourite purchases so far this year. To us, this French Art Deco table clock epitomizes everything the Art Deco period sto...

Wonderful piece, designed and produced in the 1970s, Italy. Remains in good condition. Collectable piece.

Carved marble bird resting on a rock with rough crystals, 20th century. Measures: H: 12 cm, W: 19 cm, D: 9 cm.

For your consideration is this very well sculptured Art Deco prowling panther sculpture which sits on a marble base. The body of the panther is spelter and has a wonderful patinated ...

Pair of Edouard Drouot bookends representing barking dogs Marble and Bronze, made in France Dimensions of each piece W 5.71 in. (14.5 cm) D 5.12 in. (13 cm) H 7.49 in. (19 cm) Ver...

Beautiful pair of bronze bookends on marble by the famous French sculptor mostly made animals.

Marble nautilus shell sculpture, signed.

Candle holder in travertine marble by Fratelli Mannell, in the shape of a swan, Italy, 1970s.

A superb and richly carved giltwood eagle perched on rocks with open wings, the eagle's head looking to its left and fitted with a separate giltwood wreath...

Very decorative early French Art Deco sculpture out of France made circa 1920. This signed terracotta sculpture depicts a pretty lady of the court caressing her greyhound, made with ...

Unique and amazing 19th century mantel clock garniture. If you are looking for a one of a kind and truly spectacular clock to grace your living space then this work of beauty could ...

Pair of very large patinated bronze Marly horses with marble pedestals French, 19th century Measures: Horses: Height 76cm, width 60cm, depth 32cm Pedestals: Height 92cm, width 65cm, depth 36cm These superb horses are unusually large examples of so-called Marly Horses—models after Guillaume Coustou’s early 18th century marble sculptures...

Higher than average bookends with elegant deer sculptures attributed to Marcel Bouraine. This highly stylish pair of hand-sculpted deer bookends is from the heydays of the Art Deco ...

Duck- is part of our marble animal family made in Carrara/ Italy. If placing it alone or with a companion, it is definitely an eye-catcher! Its special material, Paonazzo Marble, di...

Travertine marble elephant minimal and rational sculpture.

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning very large and decorative solid wood hand carved Lion's mane mounted to a marble base A very good looking well made and decorative...

Rare, pair of 13th century, Romanesque, marble, recumbent lions Recumbent lions were popular in 11th-13th century Italian architecture with pairs ...

A majestic illustration of an elephant raising high his trunk. The sculpture is made in the style of "Irénée Rochard" (1906-1984). It's not signed but this representation is well-k...

Asprey pair or horseriding solid silver figurines on marble bases Made London, 1977 Maker: Asprey & Co Fully hallmarked. Size: 14.9 x 7.8 x 22.5 cm Weight: 2812 grams total (1...

Rabbit- is part of our marble animal family made in Carrara/ Italy. If placing it alone or with a companion, it is definitely an eye-catcher! Its special material, Paonazzo Marble, ...

A lovely English Regency object, the subject that of an exhausted stag after a model made by Pitoin for Madame du Barry in 1772. The well finished stag sits on a superb ormolu base, ...

1960s bronze bull sculpture by Spanish Sculptor Venancio Blanco, who died in 2018 and a foundation that bears his name has been set up to promote his work.

Stylized and finest quality carved, bronco horse table lamp. All handcrafted out of natural materials only, this rare bucking horse table lamp is a marvelous work of art in the dayt...

'Royal Birds of India' - One of a kind pair of beautiful bronze sculptures, hand crafted moulded and cast in the lost wax process. Magnificent grand pair of birds in sculpture form that stand out and create a wow effect . The artwork is loosely inspired by the pea fowl, a bird native to India. The elegant stature of the bird is reminiscent of the regality and grace of the Indian maharajas...

'Scheider's Nightmare' is a marble table in shark design and raised upon a Classic Singer sewing machine base. An English, Pietra Dura in various m...

1970s Chinese pair of hand carved white marble lions.

Art Deco sculpture of jumping bucks in patinated metal on a marble base. 1930s. In very good condition. Beautiful patina. Measures: 37 x 13.5 cm.   

Evert den Hartog "The Bull", decorative, contemporary sculpture. Bronze on marble base. Evert den Hartog, born in 1949, studied sculpture at the Ac...

French Art Deco style patinated metal deer sculpture on onyx base. Measures: Width 48 cm. height 25 cm.      

Irénée Rochard (French, 1906-1984) A pair of incredibly stylish Art Deco bookends in the form of King Cobras, the detailed snakes in patinated bronze, are shown in a striking posi...

Naturalistically designed bronze panther lying on a rectangular grey marble plinth with an arrow at the back and a pain-distorted expression. Numbered 54 and stamped bronze veritable...

Stunning Art Deco Desk Set : An Early 20th Century Ink Set - Inkwell with a Bronze Moose or Elk on top, a large Ashtray and an Ink Dryer. It's a very l...

Pair of sculptures in carved marble. "Tiger". Inspired by oriental models. Located on a base that resembles land thanks to a sgraffito, the tigers appear roaring. The stripes on his...

1990s polished modern abstract sculpture of a dove in in hand carved black Belgian marble.

Pair of winged sphinxes, heads of monkeys, bodies of female dragons, adorned with a wreath of flowers, white statuary marble, condition of use, old restorations, circa 1950, weight o...

Marble lions is a pair of original sculptures by an anonymous artist of the French School realized during the 19th century. White marble sculptures representing a couple of lions ...

Marble horse head on a base. The eyes are torn open and the mouth is open. The ears as well as the nasal openings are very elaborate. The surface is very fine. Handmade after "The head of the horse of...

Full of humour and narrative detail, this joyous set of two figural sculptures are charmingly cast in bronze to depict young boys playing with animals. One of the figures shows a boy in draped...

French Art Deco Bronze signed H. Robert, two playing panthers, France, 1930s. Very large, very heavy (about 30kg). On marble base. We offer d...

A fine Sterling silver model of a fox baring his teeth, well-modelled and mounted on a granite base. Hallmarked Walker & Hall, Sheffield, England, 1921.

Art deco sculpture in silvered bronze the flight of the swallow signed Ruchot. On a portor marble base. Iin perfect condition. Length: 18 cm Width: 15 cm Height: 22,5 cm Weight:2,7...

Animal sculpture of two panthers grooming their fur Sculpture made of spelter (French: Régule), with original green patina Multi-part base with portormarble Original Art Déco, Fran...

Sculpture, Animal bronze by J.Brault, Early 20th century. Animal bronze by J.Brault, early 20th century, representing an elephant and its young, marble base, Art Deco.   H: 31cm, W:...

A marble Sea Gull sculpture in tessellated Emporador Italian marble with brass accents by Maitland Smith USA circa 1980 Captured in movement, great scale and form.

French sculpture from the second half of the 20th century. Chiseled bronze work depicting The Embrace, modern reproduction of one of the most famous sculptures by Pierre Jules Mene (...