Metal Figurative Sculptures

A large and impressive late 19th Century bronze study of the famous Venus de Milo sculpture of antiquity with excellent rich brown patina and good hand finished surface detail, inscribed F.Barbedienne foundry ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Height: 95 cm Width: 28 cm Depth: 28 cm Condition: Excellent Original Condition Circa: 1890 Materials: Bronze Foundry: F.Barbedienne SKU: 7741 ABOUT The Barbedienne Foundry is a famous 19th century bronze foundry, whose statues and art objects became rapidly very renowned. This bronze studio co-worked with other trades, and put his name to a great variety of works, such as furnishing in particular. Attending every World's Fair of its time, the Barbedienne Foundry was regularly awarded, notably at the World's Fair of 1855 where it was awarded the Great Medal of Honor. A Parisian bronze maker and caster, Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892) creates a firm in 1839 in collaboration with Achille Collas, the inventor of the mechanical method to obtain copies of sculptures at a smaller scale. With this groundbreaking proceed, they facilitated an unprecedented production. Under the “Collas et Barbedienne” name, they specialized in Antiquity copies and perfected new chemical methods for the color and patina finish of their bronzes. As a true Romantic, Ferdinand Barbedienne is committed to democratization of arts, he thus realizes numerous Antiquity copies and stimulates his contemporaries’ works broadcasting. A great deal of famous sculptures are hence cast by the Barbedienne Foundry. All his life, Barbedienne co-worked with the greatest artists, sculptors or designers of his time, such as Edouard Lievre, Ferdinand Levillain, Attarge, Aizelin, Barye or Fremiet. Statues aside, he products a great deal of decorative artifacts, such as clocks, vases, mirrors, etc. Since 1855, Ferdinand Barbedienne collaborates with the famous decoration designer Louis-Constant Sévin (1821-1888). Joining the firm as a sculptor-designer, he stays loyal to it his life long, always finding more new designs for daily objects, which hence become true art works. Sevin’s creations, specialized in the “Neo-Greek” style, were particularly appreciated for antiquity reference in decorative arts, just like the great mirror preserved by the Orsay Museum. He also teams up with enamelers including Alfred Serre, and develops a set of “cloisonnés” enamels that made the headlines at the World's Fair of 1862 in London, which was the very beginning of the art of enamel’s return. In collaboration with Serre, Barbedienne realized between 1878 and 1889 the Monumental Clock in Renaissance style, decorated with enamels, which is preserved in the Paris City Hall. Venus de Milo Facts about Venus de Milo sculpture. For much of the world, the mystery of the Venus de Milo lies in her missing arms. But there’s much more to this iconic statue than a couple of absent appendages. 1. Venus de Milo‘s title is a bit misleading. It’s popularly believed that this Grecian statue depicts the Greek Goddess of love and beauty, who was often rendered half-naked. However, the Greeks would have called this deity Aphrodite. Nonetheless, the Roman-inspired Venus de Milo caught on. 2. She’s named in part for where she was discovered. On April 8, 1820, a farmer named Yorgos Kentrotas came across the statue in pieces within the ruins of an ancient city on the island of Milos (formerly known as Melos). 3. Alexandros of Antioch is credited with her creation. A sculptor of the Hellenistic period, Alexandros is believed to have carved this masterpiece between 130 and 100 BCE. The inscription on the plinth—the slab on which the statue rested—that identified him as Venus de Milo‘s creator was lost nearly 200 years ago. 4. She might not be Venus. Some have suggested the sculpture is not Aphrodite/Venus, but Amphitrite, the sea goddess who was particularly adored on Milos. Still others have proposed she’s Victory, or perhaps a prostitute. With her arms long missing, would-be context clues have been lost for centuries. A spear could have meant one thing, a spool of thread another. If she held an apple—as some reports claim—it could mean she was Aphrodite, holding the award given to her by Paris before the Trojan War began. To this day, it’s a matter of passionate debate. 5. She became a gift to the King of France. When Kentrotas called upon a French naval officer to help him unearth the spectacular sculpture, he began a chain of events that would eventually lead to the Marquis de Rivière presenting Venus de Milo to Louis XVIII. In turn, the ruler gave the statue to the Louvre, where it is on display to this very day. 6. The loss of her limbs is the fault of the French. Kentrotas did find fragments of an arm and a hand when he uncovered the statue in the ruins, but as Venus de Milo was being reassembled, those arms were discarded for having a “rougher” appearance. Modern art historians believe that the variation of finish does not mean those arms did not belong to Venus, but both the arms and the original plinth have been lost since the piece moved to Paris in 1820. 7. The original plinth was ditched on purpose. Sight unseen, early 19th century art historians decided the newly discovered Venus must have been the work of Greek artist Praxiteles, and publicized the work as such. This attribution would have placed the piece in the Classical period (5th through 4th centuries BCE), which was more respected artistically than the Hellenistic period. To save face and better promote Venus de Milo—even at the cost of misinforming the public—the plinth was removed before it was presented to the King. 8. Venus de Milo was meant to make up for a national embarrassment. During his conquests, Napoleon Bonaparte had plundered one of the finest examples of Greek sculpture, Venus de’ Medici, from Italy. In 1815, the French government returned that beloved sculpture, but in 1820, France embraced the chance to fill the hole its absence left in the French culture and national pride. As such, Venus de Milo was promoted as being even greater than Venus de’ Medici upon her Louvre debut. The ploy worked, and the piece was met with almost universal praise from artists and critics. 9. Renoir was not impressed. Perhaps the most famous of Venus de Milo‘s detractors, the celebrated Impressionist painter dismissed this delicate depiction of grace and female beauty as “a big gendarme.” 10. She went into hiding during World War II. By the autumn of 1939, war threatened to descend on Paris, so Venus de Milo along with some other priceless pieces, such as Winged Victory of Samothrace and Michelangelo’s Slaves, were whisked away for safekeeping at various châteaux in the French countryside. 11. She’s been robbed! Venus is missing more than just her arms. She was originally draped in jewellery including a bracelet, earrings and a headband. These flourishes are long lost, but the holes for fixing them to the piece remain in the marble, giving clues to the missing accessories. 12. She lost her colour. While it’s easy for today’s art admirers to think of Greek statues as white, the marble was often painted in the style of polychromy. However, no trace of the original paint scheme remains on Venus de Milo today. 13. She’s taller than most people. Even with her slight slouch, Venus de Milo stands at 6 feet 8 inches tall. 14. She could be a copy. Art historians have noted that Venus de Milo bears a striking resemblance to Aphrodite of Capua, which is a Roman era copy of a possibly late 4th century BCE bronze Greek original. That would be at least 170 years before Alexandros carved his goddess, leading some to speculate that both statues are actually replicas of an older statue...

Carl Auböck model #4273 'Foot' brass paperweight. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkstätte Car...

A striking and conversation-worthy piece, this antique sculpture features a stunning blend of green marble and beautifully patinated bronze, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. Cre...

Late 19th Century Jugendstil bronze sculpture of a dancing Satyr/Faun signed by G. Roth, Germany By: G. Roth Material: bronze, copper, tin, metal Technique: cast, molded, patinated,...

This is a joyful bronze sculpture multiple art work signed by the well known Italian artist Concetto Pozzati. Title Pear (O'pera) This is a multiple of a numbered edition of 1.000 p...

A large, 11 lb, gilt bronze Tibetan Buddha statue of superb quality. Standing on lotus plinth with the "no fear" abhaya mudra, the broad-faced fi...

19th Century English Bronze of a Beloved Soldier of the H.A.C by Thomas Fowke/s Bronze Standing Figure of Captain John P. Field H.A.C (Honourable Artillery Company) By Thomas Fowke/...

Art Deco bronze sculpture nude girl with dove by Henry Arnold. Première offrande. With foundry seal & signature Susse Frères éditeurs Paris. France 192...

This exquisite 19th-century French bronze sculpture captures the essence of rural life through the figure of a young peasant boy. The boy is depicted with a charming, rustic appeal,...

A very cool and well detailed solid cast brass medieval armored knight on horse sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and...

Fine finely modeled and cast antique (late 19th century) patinated bronze bust sculpture of the Roman goddess, Diana, after the original model by Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828), cas...

A fine antique Egyptian Revival bronze sculpture. In the form of a male lion. Mounted atop a mottled rouge marble plinth. Simply a lovely Egyptian Revival bronze! Date: ...

A patinated bronze sculpture after German sculptor Otto Schmidt Hofer (1873-1925). Titled, "The Enemy Below." A figural work featuring a handsome nude male Greek...

Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Patinated Cast Brass Style: French Antique

Bronze sculpture with wooden base, Homage to Marino Marini 1950s/60s

Unique table crucifix and a wonderful work of religious art. For us the most powerful statement will always be 'the truth will set you free'. It is what we have learned most from th...

Bronze Statue of Cleopatra Reclining on Red Marble Base - Classical Sculpture of Great Charm This elegant bronze statue depicting Cleopatra in a reclining position is an extraordinar...

This is a fine antique pair of French Grand Tour patinated-bronze sculptures of the Marly Horses, Circa 1850 in date and signed to one base. The original Marly Horses were commissi...

The piece captures the essence of the Roman god with a dynamic and elegant pose, showcasing his agility and eloquence. The figure of Mercury is presented with his right arm extended ...

Miguel Berrocal La Mini Zoraida puzzle sculpture that is nickel plated and brass. The puzzle is made up of 25 elements. It comes with the book. The measurements without the base is...

OPPOSING PAIR OF BRONZE FIGURES Form our Bronze Sculpture collection, we are delighted to offer this French opposing pair of Bronze Figures Allégorie du Printemps by Ferdinand Barb...

ETIENNE-HENRI DUMAIGE French, 1830-1888 "Camille Desmoulins at the Palais Royal" (1882) Sand-cast patinated bronze signed in base "H. DUMAIGE" conceived in 1882, executed circa 1890 stock ref. C104802 38 1/8" H x 11 7/16" D x 11 5/16" W Essay Exhibited in plaster at the Salon of 1882 (no. 4331), Dumaige's statue of Camille Desmoulins has become well-regarded as one of his most powerful compositions. The original was given by Dumaige to the Musée de Rouen. It captures Desmoulins delivering his powerful and poignant call to arms before the Bastille storming, the drama of the scene almost operatic as he knocks the chair over behind him, grasping the loose pages of his speech in his closed fist while he loses himself in the rhetoric. Camille Desmoulins was a French journalist, lawyer, and revolutionary, recognized for his pivotal role in the French Revolution. Born in Guise, France, he studied law at the Collège Louis-le-Grand in Paris, where he befriended future revolutionary leaders, including Maximilien Robespierre. Desmoulins gained prominence on July 12, 1789, when his impassioned speech at the Palais-Royal incited the storming of the Bastille two days later, marking a critical moment in the Revolution. As a journalist, Desmoulins founded and edited Les Révolutions de France et de Brabant, a radical publication that criticized the monarchy and aristocracy. His writing was instrumental in shaping revolutionary sentiment, blending incisive political critique with populist rhetoric. Despite his early radicalism, Desmoulins later advocated for moderation during the Reign of Terror, aligning himself with the Dantonist faction. This shift ultimately led to his downfall. Arrested alongside Georges Danton...

This is a bronze sculpture, which may have been done by Frederic Weinberg. It is an incredibly stylized Roman Chariot and has a patina finish. Italian-made and great for any Mid-Cent...

1758 Bronze golfing sculpture made of bronze on wood base in a full backswing positin.

This striking Art Deco cast iron panel is a recast of an original design by Heinrich Moshage, a renowned artist known for his industrial-inspired works. The panel captures the dynami...

Henry Moore (British, 1898-1986) "Reclining Figure: Stiff Leg" Patinated Bronze Sculpture, 1977, signed "Moore" and numbered edition "3/9". 5.5" H x 10.5" W x 7.25" D. Provenance: P...

An amazing earthenware Kwan Yin statue with lamp and reverse incense burner by master potter Liu Li Hui. Seated dhayana asana on wood ledge, Kwa...

An entrancing 1998 “Melanie” wire mesh screen figural shadow sculpture on black wood base by American artist Randy Cooper. Extremely well-executed ne...

Bronze statuette of St. Jerome, or St Hieronymous, in the manner of the Venetian sculptor Alessandro Vittorio (1525-1608) by the lost wax technique of bronze casting, which leaves a ...

Green patinated bronze sculpture of an archer by Michel Decoux (1837-1924). This petite Art Deco sculpture beautifully captures the elegant formal language of the period. Crafted in ...

This German nude strongman archer is one of the finest examples of a nude male figure that I have seen in my 50 years of selling antique bronzes. His musculature is perfect and rema...

Beautiful tall bronze & marble base by listed artist Charles Renee Masse, signed title Jeune Arabe, this piece its part of a series that have many auction results. Signed dated " Ch....

Striking and detailed bronze relief sculpture from Benin, now known as Nigeria, in Africa. This piece was modeled after ancient Benin bronzes, but is from the 20th Century. The intri...

A charming early 20th Century Art Deco cold painted bronze figure of a young girl in period attire standing holding a hoop behind her back , raised on a shaped marble plinth and sign...

After Frederic Remington (American, 1861-1909), The Buffalo Signal, cast bronze signed in the base, on a black marble plinth with brass Remington Art Museum plate. This is a genuine ...

This rare and damaged copper repoussé relief 18 people in erotic play involving French soldiers of various rank and state of undress. The artwork has a horizontal crack across the center of the scene. The relief is backed by a sold bronze...

This is a highly collectible Bibendum Michelin Man bronze car mascot, Hood Ornament, Mascotte voiture. It´s approximate 4 inch tall depiction of ...

Grand Tour 19th century bronze sculpture of Narcissus after the original found in 1862 at Pompeii. When first found in Pompeii it was identified as Narcissus. Years later it was identified as Dionysus. Mounted as a lamp. Early 20th century. Beautiful marble finial.

Rare Large Edition of "Clarté" by Max Le Verrier – A True Art Deco Masterpiece Discover an extraordinary and exceptionally rare large edition of "Clarté" by the legendary Max Le Ver...

An extraordinary antique Elkington and Co. copper electrotype centerpiece of the Battle of the Amazons by the renowned French silver smith Antoine Vechte. This copy of Antoine Vechte's 'Battle of the Amazons' was made sometime after the original had been presented and much lauded at the Great Exhibition of 1851. It’s not known how many were made...

Italian Classical bronze sculpture of Narcissus with a verdigris patina, believed to by Chiurazzi, or a similar foundry, Naples, circa 1900. Narcissus is shown nude except for a pai...

Khadim Diop, the Senegalese artist renowned for his bronze sculptures that adorn many private collections worldwide, has crafted two captivating and expressive pieces that showcase his mastery of the medium, a rare find in the market outside Africa! The first sculpture portrays a dynamic figure playing the Djembe drum...

A wonderful Mid-Century Modernist Abstract sculpture of a female figure in the style of/attributed to renowned South African sculptor/ artist Sydney Kumalo...

19th century, Italian. A fine quality Grand Tour Brooch. Featuring a high relief carved lava stone with large central putti figure adorned with grape vines and roses. An intriguing ...

Sculpture of St. Michael the Archangel in gilded bronze, 20th century. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS, INFORMATION OF THE LOT AND SHIPPING INFORMATION CAN BE REQUEST BY SENDING AN EMAIL. Indicat...

Wonderful Art Deco bronze sculpture on a black marble base by Angelo Basso, circa 1986. The piece depicts an elegant young topless woman dancing with whir...

18th century Italian crucifix with gold-plated kyanite, calcite crystals in matrix, and baroque pearls. The crucifix is originally from a church in Liguria. It is hand-carved and pai...

Art deco sculpture circa 1930. Regulates silver and gold cold patina. All on a portor marble base. Small restoration on a cymbal. Signed on Limousin ...

Italian ceramic terracotta sculpture Depicting Madonna , Virgin & Child religiousstatue Material: Earthenware terracotta, tin glaze and partially gilded Modeled and painted by h...

Pontifical Guard Uniform - Swiss Guard in Sterling silver with enamel and gold finish. The base of the miniature is in plexiglass, while the body that s...

Large Hollywood Regency brass tang horse sculpture. Stunning large vintage brass Tang horse sculpture. Our Mid-Century Modern brass horse figure ...

'L'Etoile du Matin', an Art Nouveau patinated bronze sculpture by renowned French sculptor Adrien Etienne Gaudez (1845 – 1902). This evocative piece depicts a mythological lady in fl...

'Bohemienne' An Art Nouveau bronze sculpture by Emmanuel Villanis (1858-1914), depicting an elegant young woman holding a lyre with her other arm raised behind her head with robes fl...

Signed Clodion "Bacchanalia" patinated bronze sculpture from the 19th century. This exquisite piece was cast by the renowned Raingo Freres foundry, known for its high-quality bronze ...

Beautiful pair of brass spread-wing eagle bookends by Virginia Metalcrafters, stamped 1952. The eagle is shown with its wings fully spread and a laurel branch and bundle of arrows clutched in its left talon. The eagle clutches a Union shield across its breast. The Union shield has a chief with three stars and six stripes completing the design. The eagle motif in décor and Folk Art has been widely used throughout our nation's history, most notably as part of our Great Seal. The founders of the United States were fond of comparing their new republic with the Roman Republic, in which eagle imagery, usually the golden eagle, was prominent. On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the design for the Great Seal of the United States depicting a bald eagle grasping 13 arrows and an olive branch with its talons. When Charles Thomson put together the final design for the Great Seal, he placed a bundle of arrows in the eagle's left (sinister) talon. The official description specifies the bald eagle holding "in his sinister a bundle of thirteen arrows." The thirteen arrows are tightly aligned – a symbol of "strength in unity" that's found in the traditional cultures everywhere, from the Romans to the Iroquois— in this case a nod to the unity of the original 13 colonies. William J. Loth founded Virginia Metalcrafters in 1890, under the name Waynesboro Stove Company. The company, which made ornately cast Cook...

Shiva is one of the main gods of Hinduism. In Shivism, he is considered to the believers as the most important manifestation of the Supreme. As part of the "Houtuistic Trinity" (Trim...

A very cool set of three 9.5" tall bronze Japanese geisha figurines, circa 1960s. The pieces are very heavy and solid and have a gorgeous dark patina; they would make a great mid-cen...

Grand tour circa 1860s bronze of the Wrestlers. Rich fine dark brown patina. Marked "F. Barbedienne Fondeur." The Wrestlers also known as The Two Wrestlers, The Uffizi Wrestlers...