Marble Animal Sculptures

Art Deco sculpture of a walking lion by the famous French sculptor Max Le Verrier. Art metal of the highest quality with beautiful dark brown/bronze patina on a Belgian black marble ...

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...

A pair of opposing foo lions with elaborately carved curled fur and seated on bases. One places a paw on a ball, the other on an upside down baby foo lion. Overall fine time worn sur...

A unique and extremely decorative French 19th century Louis XVI st. Sienna marble, patinated bronze and ormolu statue. The small scale statuette is raised by a square base with a fin...

1970s Vintage sculpture features a stylized Kudu Antelope or Ibex in brass over an exotic Verde Guatemala marble base. The sculpture features hand forged designs throughout with stri...

Pair of 1970's vintage sculptures featuring stylized Kudu Antelopes or Ibex in brass metal over exotic marble bases. The sculpture features hand forged designs throughout with striki...

A charming true pair of Italian 18th century white carrara marble statuettes of lions. Each statue is raised by an oval terr...

A magnificent Italian 19th century Verde Prato marble Alligator sculpture, from Florence. This exceptionally well executed marble sculpture is raised on a terrain styled base. The ve...

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...

Monumental and impressive Chinese carved serpentine sculpture depicting a continuous forest landscape with a cave, richly carved with all manner of f...

Chameleon Sculpture in Cast Bronze in Verdigris Finish by Elan Atelier Cast bronze Chameleon sculpture in Verdigris finish on black marble base by Elan Atelier. Custom finishes are ...

Very nice paire of bronze Art Deco bookends, elephant with bird. Signed R. Patrouilleau. The bronzes have a multi-color patina and are mounted on Belgian Red marble bases. Ca. 192...

1980's Mid-Century Modern abstract carved marble owl sculpture with black base, in vintage original condition with some wear and patina to the mar...

French Victorian bronze figure of hunting dog on oval black marble base (signed P.J. MENE).  

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

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

Pair of bronze and marble Marly Horse and Tamer sculpture statues after Coustou, circa late 20th century. Measurements: 14" H x 12" W x 7" D.   

Accessorize a man's office with this antique bronze dog sculpture. Created in France, circa 1890, the sculpture stands on a grey marble top; it feat...

An exceptional and most charming French 19th century Louis XVI st. Rouge Griotte marble and ormolu small scale statue/paper weight, signed F. Barbedienne and G. Gardet named "Poussin...

Mid-Century Modern three birds in flight brass sculpture on a round black marble base in the style of C. Jere. This one is unsigned. In great vintage condition, circa 1960s-1980s. Awesome flock of seagulls! This birds in flight brass and black marble sculpture is in the style of Curtis Jere or C. Jere. It is more petit than most of the Mid-Century Modern bird sculptures by this company and will look wonderful in your bookcase. Curtis Jere is not a single artist but is a nom-de-plume for a group of artists working for Artisan House which included Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels. Before founding Artisan House these two had built a costume jewelry business which sold under the names of Renoir and Matisse, two well-known names of mid-20th century costume jewelry...

1930s Cubist sculpture of a climbing and growling panther on the prowl. Art Deco design with the artistic facet-like details are imaginative and convey a ...

Mid-Century Modern hand forged sculpture of stylized gazelle or ibex. Minor patinated spots on brass adds to its vintage beauty. Features a hand polished exotic marble base in hues o...

Patinateed Brutalist "Unicorn Tragedy" bronze sculpture on marble base, circa 1970s. The piece depicts the tragedy of a young unicorn realizing his mother has been speared and is on ...

Adorable bronze statue of a young little girl pulled by the dog.

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

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of original Italian Carrara marble chess piece horse knight lamps They are in absolutely stunning ...

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

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...

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...

Signed Clovis Edmond Masson (1838-1913) bronze sculpture of gorilla in battle with lion. 19th century gilt and patinated bronze mounted on marble base. French 19th century.

Fantastic polo or equestrian paperweight, car mascot, hood ornament, by French artist Becquerel. Signed. With foundry marks. With original Art Deco patina. Mounted over a marble base.

Louis Kley (French, 1833-1911) A fine and charming patinated bronze group of a young boy climbing on a vase fearful of two mice. The finely executed bronze group depicting an naked i...

Marble nautilus shell sculpture, signed.

A very fine Italian 19th century Carrara marble life-size marble sculpture of "Hebe and The Eagle"; depicting a young maiden seated on a rocky outcrop holding an urn over her shoulder and serving water from a bowl to a thirsty eagle, raised on a circular base by Aristide Fontana (Italian 19th Century - Active 1870-1890), Carrara, Inscribed to the reverse; "Aristide Fontana Sc./Carrara", circa 1870-1880. Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth, was the daughter of Zeus and Hera and was the hand-maiden and cup bearer of the gods and the symbol of youthful beauty and chastity. She is often depicted as a temptress tantalizing the eagle of Jupiter with a cup of ambrosia and her body. In her role as cup-bearer she offered nectar and ambrosia and here she holds the cup before the eagle, Zeus' messenger. This sculpture subject matter resembles Bertel Thorwaldsen's, marble sculpture of Ganymede and the Eagle, circa 1817 and currently at the Chrysler Museum, Norfolk, VA. The most notable difference between both sculptures is that, unlike in Thorwaldsen's work, this sculpture depicts a figure of a young semi-nude maiden bearing a pearl necklace centered with a charm engraved with the letter "S". This sculpture subject matter can also be attributed to Psyche, perched on a Stygian rock and threatened by dragons, is rescued from her task by Jupiter's eagle, who brings her a lekythos filled with the river's water. Although Apuleius' story of Cupid and Psyche had been a common theme in European art since the Renaissance, the particular incident of Psyche rescued by Jupiter's eagle was seldom illustrated. Comparable to themes in mythology, Old Testament figures and heroines in particular were popular subjects of artworks in the mid-19th century. Several scenes from the Biblical (Gen. 24) story of Rebecca's meeting with Eliezer, and subsequent marriage to Isaac, were depicted in the 19th century. The most frequent representation shows Rebecca at the well with a pitcher. Other examples of the subject include those by the Italians Cesare Lapini, Giovanni Battista Lombardi and Domenico Menconi and American sculptors Brown, Mozier, and Chauncey Bradley Ives...

Beautiful intriguing solid brass sculpture mounted on black marble. The Borovo Thracian treasure was found by accident in the late 1974, during deep ploughing of one of the cultivate...

Art Deco elephant sculpture on marble stylized base. Spelter metal with ivoroid ( synthetic) tusks, in the lucky position of going upward. This is a great piece, showing style and mo...

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

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

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 ...

Mid-Century Modern hand carved pale pink marble polar bear figurine, animal sculpture, 1970.

Being bronze dealers for over 40 years we are always on the lookout for horses, because they are beautiful, graceful animals, and people love them. We often get jockeys on horses, bu...

An Italian metal rooster sculpture from the early 20th century on marble base. Created in Italy during the first quarter of the 20th century, this animal sculpture depicts a rooster ...

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 ...

One of a kind Modern style Rock crystal bird group carved sculpture on Amethyst Quartz geode, one bird spreading it's wings and other resting on a na...

German shepherd dog bust paperweight sculpture / France, 1910. Foundry Mark coin. Signed H. Puyen. Silver plated metal mounted over a green marble. Desk scul...

A fine late 19th century Italian white Carrara marble of a child and dog A young child sitting and training their dog, on top of a rouge marble base.

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 ...

This nicely crafted model of a horse in full pose is situated behind natural fencing and is accented by a conforming marble base, mid-20th century.

An Art Deco era bronze statue of a lion with a great marble base of three tones inlaid in geometric shapes. The lion is powerfully rendered, its expression and musculature well defined. Throughout history, the Lion has been known as the “king of the jungle” but has also served as symbol of protection for a home or public building. The task of scaring off the “demons” and keeping away intruders is the reason you can find sculptures of lions guarding structures from the ancient Ishtar Gates...

'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...

Chrome cast bronze, marble and glass table lamp, France, circa 1930.  

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 ...

Bronze sculpture with marble base. Signed Comolera. France, late 19th century.

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, ...

Interesting, large and heavy marble sculpture of a coiled snake. In the manner of Alexander Girard. Simple and playful form.

Vintage Brass Horse Bust on a marble base

A very nice MCM acrylic fish sculpture on brown marble base from the Astrolite products line by the Ritts Co. of Los Angeles, circa 1970s. The sculpture i...

Pair 18th C. Carved Marble Terracotta Figures Lions Sculptures Garden Statues LA . Rare large Pair of early 18th century carved marble terracotta Figures of regal lions, holding an i...