Figurative Sculptures

Pair of Carrara marble Putti, depicted in a mirror-image position to each other: softly reclining, the torso advanced and slightly off to the side, one arm resting on the thigh, whil...

Pair of 18th century Italian hand-carved and painted angel wings on titanium plated quartz crystal clusters with natural-forming baroque pearls. The hand-carved multi-colored angel wings are originally from a historical church in Venice, Italy. These are particularly rare and exquisite due to their unique coloring. The ecclesiastical artifacts are mounted onto a base of titanium plated quartz and adorned with coordinating baroque pearls. The minerals display...

Lovely Set of 7 Scandinavian Wooden Woodpecker Corkscrews + 2 WIne Corks, 1960s

Pair of sculptures depicting the Virgin and St. John the Evangelist, portrayed in a mournful attitude. The former has a pained expression on her face, her hands clasped in front of h...

Product Description: Material: Alabaster Subject: Saint Joseph with the Child Origin: Trapani, Italy Era: 17th Century Technique: Finely carved and polychromed Condition: Excellent,...

Cercle of Jacopo della Pila (Lombard, in Naples 1471-1502) Marble relief depicting a winged Cherub Naples, second half of15th century 40 x 57 x 12 cm Exquisitely carved, this relief portrays a winged cherub with cascading hair and delicate features. The cherub's plump, smooth countenance, rounded cheeks, outlined lips, and finely drawn nose emanate a sense of tenderness. The quadrangular module, is adorned with a carved frame. The relief ascends gradually, transitioning from the low relief of the wings to the high relief of the head. The rectangular frame and the subtly curved form of the artwork suggest that the relief likely adorned the upper part of an arch or a vaulted chapel. The type is that of the perspective room with a coffered ceiling decorated with figures of winged cherubs, which is found in various Neapolitan chapels of the 15th century. Coffered ceilings attest to the recovery of antiquity and the search for luxury in Renaissance architecture, first in Florence, then in Rome and Naples. The majority of the numerous family chapels and tombs built during the late fifteenth century in south of Italy employ the new formal vocabulary of the Florentine Renaissance in a self-confident manner that permitted a broad spectrum of variations. The escalating admiration for the classical world, coupled with the development of perspective, significantly contributed to the Renaissance endorsement of coffered ceilings. This artistic and constructive device drew inspiration from the intricate marble patterns observed in historical landmarks such as the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, the Pantheon, and the Basilica of Maxentius. A distilled product of both mathematical and artistic cultures, deeply scrutinizing the ancient world, the coffered ceiling plays a vital role in the perspective construction of space with its regular and directional geometry. The motif of the coffered ceiling decorated with cherubs in relief was introduced in Naples by Francesco Laurana in the plastic decoration of the Arch of Castelnuovo. Laurana's impact on the art scene in the south of Italy was profound. The introduction of the winged cherub into the region's artistic vocabulary bridged the gap between the classical and the contemporary, creating a synthesis that resonated with both aesthetic and spiritual sensibilities. His influence extended beyond the immediate visual appeal, shaping the cultural identity of the Renaissance in southern Italy. Although the plastic decoration of the Arch of Castelnuovo cannot certainly be ascribed to a mature Renaissance style, it was precisely on this occasion that the sculptors who worked there could get to know and export throughout the Italian peninsula that type of "Florentine classicism" which, even in the 15th century Naples, was conditioned by the Burgundian culture imported into the Kingdom by Alfonso of Aragon himself, with artists called from Spain and Northern Europe. The coffered ceiling, with its geometric patterns and Laurana's winged cherubs nestled within, became a symbol of refinement and cultural sophistication. The relief sculptures, carefully integrated into the overall design, transformed the ceiling into a celestial realm, inviting viewers to contemplate the divine while immersed in the grandeur of the Renaissance space. Similar winged cherubs appears also in the Naples cathedral. Within the renowned Succorpo Chapel, a mesmerizing marble coffered ceiling adorned with cherubs epitomizes the splendor of the Neapolitan Renaissance. The interplay of light and shadow on the textured surface of the marble coffered ceiling introduces an ethereal dimension, providing an immersive visual experience for observers. The geometric precision and the repeated patterns, reminiscent of classical motifs, establish a sense of harmony and balance that has become the hallmark of the Neapolitan interpretation of Florentine Renaissance aesthetics. Although probably intended to be admired from a distance, this cherub is intricately detailed and exquisitely rendered: the face and hair are elegantly outlined and the feathers are textured through juxtaposed lines. The marble, both figurative and decorative, adheres to the principles of balance and restrained ornamentation typical of the « Florentine Classicism ». Harmonious shapes and gracefully orchestrated curves , rooted in the classical repertoire, converge to evoke a sense of ethereal beauty. The surface displays the masterful use of a chisel to intricately carve the feathers and facial features, creating an almost abstract quality. This work is a testament to a sculptor of great skill and rich figurative knowledge, seamlessly blending classical firmness in contours with a refined treatment of the marble's surface. The combination of tradition and innovation point to a stylistic idiom from Lombardy, in particular we can find some comparaisons with the works of Jacopo della Pila, sculptor of Lombard origin working in Naples in the second half of the 15th century. He is documented there between 1471 and 1502, and is a protagonist of the Aragon Renaissance in the second half of the Quattrocento, together with the other great Northern sculptor active in the kingdom, Domenico Gagini. the first commission he received dates back to August 9, 1471, when Jacopo publicly committed to sculpting the funerary monument of Archbishop Nicola Piscicelli to be placed in the Cathedral of Salerno. The last known work is an altar ordered on July 29, 1502, by the noble Jacopo Rocco for the church of San Lorenzo Maggiore in Naples. Between these two chronological extremes (1471-1502), we must place the fervent activity of the artist, who had trained in Rome, perhaps under the guidance of Paolo Romano but also engaged in dialogue with other major artists of the city, especially Isaia da Pisa. He enriched his experience in Naples, initially drawing inspiration from the works of Domenico Gagini and later from the Tuscan masterpieces of Antonio Rossellino and Benedetto da Maiano destined for the church of Santa Maria di Monteoliveto. Jacopo della Pila's artistic personality is thus based on a complex interplay of influences, contributing to the definition of a highly personal style. Close comparaison can be made between our cherub and the winged angels reliefs...

Altarpiece group representing the flagellation Brabant, circa 1560-1580 Carved wood, polychrome, and gilded 50 x 38 x 7 cm At the center of the group, Christ stands upright, leaning...

A lovely angel, his right hand extended as if to touch something or hold something. He appears very calm and peaceful, clothed in a partial shroud which is draped over his shoulder...

Bronze Buddha depicted in meditation pose sheltered by a Naga (a seven-headed snake). I two parts. Naga's body coiled up to serve as a cushion for the Buddha with 7 pronged head prov...

Chinese Export Porcelain Figures of Attendants, Set of Five, Circa 1780 The set of five Chinese Export porcelain figures are painted in famille rose enamels with a purple robe and s...

Wooden sculpture depicting Ecce Homo. Christ, whose figure is cut off at thigh level, is standing, arms crossed at waist level. Long ringlets frame a face with a pointed beard, a hal...

Beautiful large Baroque angel-wing with its original color and gilding. Extremely rare to find in this size. Very decorative item placed on a wooden base. Italy, circa 1750. Weathere...

I was able to obtain a very rare item. This is a sculpture of the god ``Shinzo''. "Shin" = God "zo" = statue Since ancient times in Japan, it has been believed that gods reside in all things in the universe, and there have been many shrines. In the 6th century, Buddhism was introduced and gradually spread throughout Japan. Around the 8th century, the idea that gods follow the teachings of Buddha spread. Until the Edo period, God and Buddha became one and the idea of ``Shinto and Buddhism syncretism'' was established. This statue was created during such a history. Originally, the image of God was invisible and could not be understood as something tangible. However, with the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, idol worship was also introduced, and the idea that the gods follow the teachings of Buddha was also propagated at the same time in order to spread the teachings of Buddhism. Around that time, around the 9th century, the first statues of gods...

Pair of 18th century Italian sculptures. Wooden works of great size and impact, pleasantly carved, depicting cherubs. Sculptures painte...

Sculptural 18th century Italian hand-carved angel wing mounted on a calcite crystal cluster and adorned with citrine points. The hand-carved angel wing was once part of a heavenly, a...

Sculpture of Islamic art expertly crafted in Thuja wood, depicting a woman wearing a hijab. The female figure is sculpted with elegant and fluid lines, expressing grace. Thuja wood,...

Carved bone and walnut figure of a beggar with a very expressive face holding a flute, with a satchel over his shoulder carved from wood with a leather strap. With inset glass eyes. ...

Venus With Dolphin In Bronze 1600, small 17th-century Italian sculpture ending in a ferrule at the bottom. He holds a sphere in his right hand and with his left hand holds the dolphi...

Beautiful pair of ceraferous angels sculpted in the round in a very lively position (the movement in the hair is remarkable), almost Baroque. Very fine execution of the plastron armo...

Iron Sculpture By Robert Michiels, Belgium, 1960s

This is a mid century vintage cast iron sculpture of a mythical horse with wings and a figure. The sculpture has a dark bronze patina finish to the surface. The stylized horse has wi...

Exceptional pair of armchairs, in carved wood, decorated with acanthus leaves and volutes, the armrests ending in lions' heads, the footrests in dolphins' heads. Traces of "a mecca" ...

Sculptural 18th century Italian hand-carved brown and gilt angel wing adorned with citrine and quartz crystals and mounted on a polished hematoid slab. The hand-carved angel wing was...

Fantastic sculptural clay mask candle sconce made in Italy. Hand made in an aged adobe color with a place for a single candle inside. Mask has a metal frame which gives the piece a n...

An Italian 18th century antique bronze statue of Athena ex. private collection. Over 240 years old, this striking bronze depiction of Athena is ...

Base of a carved wooden candelabrum, polychrome and gilded; cross painted on both sides. Umbria or Tuscany, 16th century 136 x 43,5 x 30 cm (The cross and the base of the candelabrum were later assembled) The base of the candelabrum is intricately carved and adorned with polychrome and gilded finishes. The shafts take on the shape of balusters reminiscent of ancient columns, feature ornate foliage decorations, garlands and winged cherub faces. The feet are crafted in the likeness of lion paws. The base is further embellished with depictions of four saint martyrs, among them Saint Barbara and Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The plasticity of the figures, outlined with strong contour lines, the clear and vibrant colors, are stylistic elements linked to the Umbrian tradition of the sixteenth century.The precisely defined and elegant drawing, along with the clear color palette applied with refined chiaroscuro modulations, became the signature of a style that would leave a lasting mark on the era to come. This is exemplified by a preference for vibrant, multicolored images, accentuated in this case by the use of red and pink in the saint's attire. A notable addition, introduced later, is a polylobed cross painted on both sides. On one side, the Crucifixion is vividly portrayed:The treatment of the corpus itself is in line with High Medieval practice, emphasizing pathos by showing Jesus dead, his arms sagging from the weight of the body. The upper section displaying a pelican pecks at her breast to feed her young with her own blood; a symbol of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross whose body and blood similarly nourishes the celebrant during Mass. The lower part depicts Golgotha. On the reverse side, the Resurrection is artistically presented in a Renaissance iconography, reminiscent of the renowned composition painted by Piero della Francesca, now housed in the Civic Museum of Sansepolcro. In terms of composition, with the frontal depiction of Christ holding the banner, this motif became particularly widespread in central Italy, spanning from Tuscany to Umbria throughout the 16th century.. The double-sided construction suggests that it may also have been carried in liturgical processions. In Umbria from the 14th century, the use of portable crosses painted on both sides had become a widespread practice, aimed at satisfying the monastic clientele that had significantly increased following the establishment of new religious communities. The earliest surviving Tuscan painted crucifix represent Christ as Christus Triumphans, or the “Triumphant Christ” with his head up and eyes open. This form was supplanted in the 13th century with the Christus Patiens, or “Suffering Christ” type who is shown often with his head fallen on his shoulder and his eyes closed, as In our cross. The iconography of the suffering Christ appears to have developed out of a new interest in Christ’s human nature, the development of the feast of Corpus Christi and with increased importance given to the Eucharist. The process of humanizing the figure of Christ reaches its peak with the abandonment of all the previous expressive conventions in favor of more realistic details we can observe in this Crucifix, such as the swollen belly, the arms stretched to the limit of muscle tearing, the body falling heavily forward, the abundant blood on the wounds, and the cross firmly embedded in the rock of Calvary. It's worth noting that Renaissance candelabra...

A wonderful whimsical massive pottery terracotta sculpture from 1962, signed Selbmann Roma, Italy. The piece just conveys joy and happiness. Muted colors. The piece has an old repai...

Sculptural 18th century Italian hand-carved angel wing mounted on aragonite and adorned with tangerine quartz crystals and a baroque pearl. The hand-carved angel wing was once part...

Group of altarpiece representing the life of a Saint, Saint Renualde? Engraved by the sign of Antwerp hand on the hat of the central character Carved oak, traces of polychromy Fir...

Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Figure of a Fat Lady or Female Courtesan. Period (618 - 907AD) Estate / Collection: The Collection of Jay I. Kislak sold to benefit the Kislak Family Fo...

1960s Brutalist metal sculpture of a knight on a horse. Wood base.

A scarce antique English porcelain figure of a Putto holding a basket of flowers by the renowned Staffordshire factory Bow and dating from aro...

Sculptural 18th century Italian hand-carved angel wing mounted on a chalcopyrite and adorned with kyanite. The hand-carved angel wing was once part of a heavenly, angelic depiction i...

A painted metal palm tree or banana with removable leaves. Detailed trunk and leaves and a fabulous white flower. What is it about palm trees, that conjures up the romantic? Perfect ...

This Italian Limestone Venus Sculpture is a stunning depiction of the goddess of love, carved with incredible detail and from authentic 18th century limestone sourced from Italy. The...

A deep and well carved panel English oak with many figures in deep relief and a good colour Circa 1520 33cms wide x 21cms high

Ceramic from the 60's representing the "Virgin and Child" by the famous French artist Jean Derval. Very nice glazing on the whole, with typical colours and patterns of the artist. So...

The figure stands with arms crossed in front, a pose that is often seen in tomb figurines which were intended to serve the deceased in the afterlife. The long robe and facial feature...

A late 17th-century figure in polychromed chestnut wood with excellent carving and gilding, dressed in a flowing veil and cashew hair down the shoulders. The cheekbones and nose are ...

Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Figure of a Fat Lady or Female Courtesan. Period (618 - 907AD) Estate / Collection: The Collection of Jay I. Kislak sold to benefit the Kislak Family Fo...

Fantastic sculptural clay mask candle sconce made in Italy. Hand made in an aged adobe color with a place for a single candle inside. Mask has a metal frame which gives the piece a n...

This is a sublimely made porcelain figure of the female "Ranelagh Dancer", made by Derby between 1759 and 1769, which was the Rococo era. The figure would originally have had a male ...

An interesting soft-paste porcelain figure of a Dominican Nun, perhaps the theatrical figure Heloise. Although the Nun appears in various versions in European and English porcelain,...

Oriental sculpture from the mid-20th century. Finely carved and crafted exotic wooden object depicting a fisherman with fish, of good quality. Sculpture made from a single wooden blo...

A richly weathered marble Roman style head with skilfully carved features and full lips. The piece would have been part of a larger statue or carving. The marble has a lovely warm pa...

Trinity in carved and polychromed wood, in the round, the back partially hollowed out. It is represented here as a "Throne of Grace". In this original formula, which probably origina...

1537 Neapolitan hand carved wood sculpture "the Finger" Beautiful detailed carving

VIRGIN AND CHILD IN MAJESTY, ALSO KNOWN AS "SEDES SAPIENTIAE"   ORIGIN : SPAIN, CATALOGNE PERIOD: EARLY 13th CENTURY   Height :  95 cm Width : 32 cm Depth : 28 cm   Softwood No polychromy     In the middle of the 12th century, the Virgin took her place in churches, seated in Majesty, serving as a throne for her son Jesus. She is then called Sedes Sapientiae, meaning the Throne of Wisdom. At that time, she is not represented for herself and only exists because she has been designated as Theotokos, the mother of God, at the Council of Ephesus in 431, where the divine nature of Christ was proclaimed from his birth.   The upright and perfectly hieratic bust of this Virgin and Child in Majesty is seated on a throne-bench. She is dressed in a tunic with a rounded neckline and covered with a fine mantle placed on her narrow shoulders. The supple and natural drapery follows the lines of the body.   Large curls frame her face with delicate and regular features, a long straight nose, almond-shaped eyes, and small lips.   She supports the Infant Jesus with her left hand. Like his mother, he is dressed in a long tunic, and his little feet are visible in the folds. He holds a small sphere in his left hand, while with his right hand, he gestures in blessing. The face of Christ bears a strong resemblance to his mother’s one, and he gives a slight smile.   The position of the Child is no longer as hieratic, nor frontal or central as in the early 12th century, but his face still turns towards the faithful.   The 13th century indeed emerges as a period of transition in the artistic domain. The statuary, while retaining certain characteristics still belonging to the habits of the previous century, also develops new formal solutions.   As a result, Mary maintains a hieratic and frontal position, while her son shifts to place himself well to the left on her knee. Similarly, while the Virgin seems perfectly still, Jesus, on the other hand, appears much more animated, especially in the positioning of his hands. His left hand holds the orb, and judging by the raised right arm directed towards the faithful, one can easily imagine that he was making a gesture of blessing.   The influence of the Sedes Sapientiae from previous centuries still seems particularly prevalent in this work.   These few characteristics allow dating this Spanish Virgin...

Large walnut wood sculpture in the round, depicting Saint John in the position he usually has at the foot of Christ on the Cross. Beautifully expressive face, framed by expertly curl...

Spanish sculpture "Pieta" 16th century sculpture in stone Nossa Senhora, is represented seated securing Jesus Christ. Measure: Height: 52 cm. Very good condition.

Iron Bust From 1600 depicting a boy with curly hair, dressed in a tunic that leaves one shoulder uncovered. Made of cast iron, the pommel has a dark patina and is in good condition, ...

This piece is an 18th century dancing putto marble statue, now available for purchase. The sculpture features a small dancing Angel 'Putto" supported on...

Bronze Bust Of 1600s, cast depicting a young boy with curly hair and a gathered robe over his neck ending in an oval section with beaded border. This antique bronze knob of Italian ...

Winged angel head. Polychrome wood. Spanish school, 16th century. Carved and gilded wooden sculpture that shows a child's head with blonde, curly hair adorned with two wings. This ty...

This piece is an 18th century dancing putto marble statue, now available for purchase. The sculpture features a small dancing Angel 'Putto" supported on...

This fine and imposing sculpture is an excellent example of 16th century Italian craftsmanship. The figure is stood on a raised, shaped rectangular base with a carved "dolphin" at th...

Portrait Medallion of Edward Bourne, bricklayer at the Wedgwood factory. A bricklayer was kept on staff in order to maintain the kilns. This was modelled by Hackwood as an excercise...

POLYCHROME CARVED WOOD VIRGIN AND CHILD FROM THE 15TH CENTURY   ORIGIN: SOUTH GERMANY, SWABIA, NUREMBERG REGION PERIOD: 15th CENTURY   Height: 94,6cm Width : 28 cm Depth : 18 cm   Lime wood Original Polychromy Good state of conservation     From 1430 onwards, sculpture underwent a profound stylistic renewal which continued until 1530, the so-called late Gothic period. In the Germanic countries, original sculptures flourished in an expressive and sensitive vein.
This renewal was inspired by the art of Nicholas of Leiden, who was active in Strasbourg in the 1460's. His style broke with the refined and delicate art of the international Gothic style in force throughout Europe around 1400. The figures became more authentic and realistic. The bodies became denser. Clothes are animated by deep, broken folds, the fabrics are heavy and have a great decorative value. In addition, the polychromy is intended to be illusionistic. The painting makes it possible to restore the texture of the materials, the richness of the textiles and the natural skin tone of the characters.   The dissemination of images through engraving and the great mobility of the artists led to the success of this style, which conquered the Upper Rhine, Swabian, Tyrolean and Franconian regions, contributing to the formation of a common stylistic identity in these regions. The economic boom in the flourishing German cities was conducive to the development of original production. Attracted by this prosperity, numerous workshops were set up in order to meet the orders of religious communities, the Church and the laity, including a clientele of middle-class rockers.      This precious Virgin and Child is depicted standing on a crescent moon, her head encircled by a crown of tall flowers. Her long wavy hair spreads over her shoulders, framing her beautiful oval face. Under fine eyebrows drawn with a brushstroke, her almond-shaped, slightly drooping eyes look at the Child with infinite softness. She is dressed in a long red dress with a rounded neckline, belted under the chest. The heavy fabric of her dress spreads out in broken folds at her feet. On her shoulders she wears a golden cloak. The drapery has deep folds. She holds out her right hand while she holds the Christ Child with her left.   Christ, with his well-defined hair, is naked. His cheeks are highlighted with red, he holds an apple in his left hand and with the other hand makes a sign of blessing towards the faithful.   Virgins with Child on a crescent moon were very popular in the second half of the 15th century, especially as the central subject of altarpieces in southern Germany and Austria. The crescent moon on which Mary is standing is reminiscent of the Woman of the Apocalypse. Often equated with the Virgin Mary.    This episode is taken from the Book of Revelation (12:1-6)   1 Then a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. ; 2 She was pregnant, and she cried out because she was in labor, in pain from giving birth. ; 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: it was a great fiery red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads. ; 4 His tail swept down a third of heaven's stars and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth so that when she gave birth, he might devour her child. ; 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child who is to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was snatched up to God and his throne. ; 6 Then the woman fled into the desert, where God has prepared a place for her. There she will be taken care of for one thousand two hundred sixty days.   Some theologians see in this woman a reference to the Virgin Mary and in the child, Jesus.    
This remarkable work is a very fine example of sculpture from Swabian workshops in the last decades of the 15th century. It presents all the characteristic stylistic elements: a highly girdled silhouette, an abundant drapery with angular folds, but also a great physical presence accentuated by the polychromy that restores the anatomical details. This group is made of a wooden log. The deep folds of the drapery highlight the movement of the Virgin holding the child.       Bibliography :   Sophie Guillot de Suduiraut, Dévotion et Séduction, Sculptures souabes des musées de France, vers 1460-1530, Paris musée du Louvre-Éditions somogy, 2015   “Revelation 12 -   Common English Bible...