Large 19th Century Sculpture of Mandolin Player by Valentino Panciera Besarel

Meticulously carved from beechwood, this cherub pair recalls the iconic Renaissance style of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Better recognized by their Italian name, putti—the singular putto refers to the Latin putus, meaning “boy” or “child”—these types of figures often recur in religious artwork as symbols of God...

From the 1700s through the early 1800s, European aristocrats developed a fascination with ancient Egyptian culture and design that culminated in a full Egyptian Revival. Prominent figures such as Marie Antoinette and Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned rooms decorated with Egyptian motifs. This cultural moment reflects a fascination with a sophisticated civilization of great artists and pharaohs. The Regency era possessed very little knowledge of the Great Pyramids or hieroglyphics, a quality that lent Egyptian art interpretation a compelling air of mystique. This English Regency period gilt carving depicts a popular figure of borrowed Egyptian motif: the Sphinx. Recognized among educated circles as a symbol of brilliance in the ancient past, the Sphinx was well-known as a mythological creature who destroys those who failed to answer her riddle. Such a piece as this, excellent in detail and craftsmanship, may have once graced the mantle of a gentleman’s study or been exchanged as a gift between British scholars. The beautiful gold surface has been achieved by an artful combination of gilt and gesso; the art enthusiast will appreciate the intricate texture realized in the carving’s hair and tail as well as the delicate detailing of the saddle. Borrowing from the Egyptians, the Greeks had their own interpretation of the Sphinx. Greek mythology chronicled the Sphinx as being the daughter of Orthous and Chimera or Laius and attributed the riddles, which she proposed, as having been taught to her by the Muses. Crowned with a Grecian diadem and having a refined expression, she evokes an ancient yet reserved intellect. For the modern-day enthusiast of classical Greek art...

This Mid-19th Century French Renaissance Revival oak cabinet showcases a sophisticated combination of two distinct varieties of solid oak, each sourced from different parts of the tr...

This pair of circa 1900 French Empire-style gilt bronze sconces showcases the mythological figure Acantha, a nymph beloved by the god Apollo. According to legend, Apollo transformed ...

A Splendid Pair of Venetian Figural Torchères Attributed to Valentino Panciera Besarel Of solid carved pine, waxed, blackened and beeswax-polished throughout. Each figure carved wit...

Venetian bronze putti by 19th century artist Valentino Besarel (1829-1902). Putti is standing on a rocky platform turning his head to glance at a bird resting on his hip. The bronze ...

Antique and sculptural, Dutch oak wall coat rack. This beautiful antique coat rack, according to us, depicts the new generation (or 'patri...

19th century St Francis wearing a rob with rope tied around his waist. Holding with two-arm a child.