17th C Polychromed Fruitwood Carved Statue Depicting Madonna, France

Although the 18th century, the period of the Enlightenment in France, spawned thinkers who criticised the privileges of the clergy and the truthfulness of certain dogmas, the Roman Catholic faith was very much present in everyday life. Since king Louis XIV had issued the Edict of Fontainebleau in 1685, Protestantism was banned. This Madonna with child illustrates the daily practice of faith. Like many 18th-century Madonna statues...

The polychromed statues are in an excellent state and date from a period when profane sculptures started to replace the religious ones.

Saint Erasmus or Saint Elmo (Antioch, ca. 240 – Formia, 303) was an Italian bishop and patron saint of the sailors. His attribute was the capstan, a winch on which the anchor chains were rolled up. He died as a martyr for his faith, and his bones were transferred to Gaeta in the 9th century, where they are kept in the cathedral to this day. The electric phenomenon of Saint Elmus fire is named after Saint Erasmus and the 16th C humanist Desiderius Erasmus. Little is known with certainty about Saint Erasmus' life. However, many legends may have been passed on orally until the - no older writings are known with certainty. His birthplace was in present-day Syria. However, the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian forced him to flee to Mount Lebanon...

19th C Tobacco Shop Publicity Statue smoking a pipe -polychromed wood.In perfect state -stands tall on its own.

This small French statue from the 1600s depicts a person in a two- piece robe with the bottom right hand portion of the robe attached above the knee. He is standing on a small carved...

At over five feet tall, this beautiful and large carved oak statue is a life-sized interpretation of a French bishop from the 1600s. The religious leader is wearing a mitre adorned with Vitruvian waves. There is also a vertical swath of waves in the middle of the mitre that separates two spandrel-shaped panels embellished with foliate scrolls and a cabochon. Our bishop is clad in a vestment with large scrollwork and a rectangular clasp across the chest over...

An outstanding pair of 17th century musician statues from the Siena region of Italy. These grand scale figures are masterly crafted in wood with their...

A wonderful and charming Italian 17th century patinated wood carved statue of an angel. The captivating angel is raised by a circular base and dress...