Walnut Figurative Sculptures

This elegant antique putti figure was carved in Italy, circa 1770. Standing on an oval base, the detailed statue features a young boy with wings his head turned to the side. The ador...

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. ...

Excellent walnut carving of a Carlo Boccomico c1600 Visible old dead worm holes, but great condition 72 cms high 30 cms wide

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...

Figure seated on rock work wearing a crown.

Large Christ on the Cross carved in the round in walnut wood. With great realism, the sculptor has used the wood grain on the bust and to emphasise the shape of the legs. The right p...

An antique 18th century Walnut Figural Statue of Saint Peter on a plinth Anonymous Northern Europe, probably Belgium; first-half of the 18th century Walnut Approximate size: 17 (h) x 4.25 (w) x 4.25 (d) in. The present sculpture, perfectly suited for a curiosity cabinet or English-European country styled home, was likely realized for a church side chapel or choir stall niche. The serious look of the saint’s face...

A white-grey pair of Louis XVI Epoque Putti or Cherubs statuettes. Hand sculpted and patinated in Walnut in their original antique condition. This Parisian pair of putti are facing e...

Baroque sculpture in walnut, central Italy 17th century. The male figure, created to be seen in an elevated position with respect to the observer and originally part of a larger scul...

Monumental 17th century Italian Baroque carved wood bust. Expertly carved Italian Baroque walnut bust /torso from the 17th century. This gorgeous...

This extraordinary museum piece Enthroned Virgin Mary with the child on her lap comes from the Rhone region in France. The saint symbol and protector ...

Provenance : In the same private collection for several generations, Burgundy. The canonical Gospels describe briefly the episode of the Nativity. It comprises three parts : • The Preludes : the Journey to Bethlehem, the Census • The Nativity • The Announce to the Shepherds and the Adoration of the Magi Only the Gospel according to Matthew (2, 1-12) speaks about the Adoration of the Magi. Staying vague about their number it does say they brought the newborn gold, incense and myrrh. The apocryphals, the fathers of the Church and many other authors have filled in the gaps of the evangelic tale. The sobriety and symbolic of the story have been a huge inspiration to artists. Although one of the oldest depictions of the Adoration of the Magi dates from the 2nd century the theme became very popular in Christian art during the late 14th century. One of the reasons explaining this success is that it celebrates both the Virgin and Christ at the same time. This important walnut panel is carved in a strong relief and depicts the different steps of the story of Jesus’ birth. On the left, the donkey and ox that have accompanied Mary and Joseph from Bethlehem are depicted behind a trough. On the thatch roof appears the star that would guide the magi to the place of birth of Jesus. Mary is wearing a veil and is seating on a bed. She holds her baby at arm’s length to present him to the magi. Saint Joseph is by her side. The old man is holding a cane in his left hand while from the right hand he seems to uncover himself to greet the visitors. A woman assists to the scene. In front of the holy family the three magi stand behind one another to pay their homage to the newborn. The first magi has a pointed beard. He is already kneeling out of deference and has placed his crown to his feet. He gives the baby a hanap filled with gold coins. This is Melchior as the legend describes him with white hair and a long beard. Caspar, the second magi bears a cup of incense. He is looking at the third magi and with his right hand he points to the star that has guided them there. He has a short beard and wears crakow shoes, breeches and a wide sleeved doublet. Finally Balthazar, the elegant last magi proceeds proudly towards the holy family with his one hand on the saber’s hilt and the other holding a cup. He brings the divine child the myrrh. He probably just dismounted as the horse can be seen behind him. The scene is set in a very detailed and narrative decor. In the right part of the panel the shepherd receive the announce of Jesus’ birth. An angel comes down from heaven with a scroll bearing the good news in his hands. The herding dog sleeps peacefully while sheeps graze. At the top of the cliff we notice the gilded sheeps enclosure. The panel’s moulded frame is carved with a foliated decor. In it’s centre appears a coat-of-arms. It is the alliance of the three magi’s arms. Indeed as it was common for legendary figures the three of them received imaginaries coat-of-arms. Thus, on a field of azure stands a star for Melchior, a crescent for Caspar and a pennon for Balthazar. This high-relief panel is undeniably the work of a very skilled and imaginative artist. This key moment in the New Testament is transposed to a contemporary environment thanks to the figures’ clothing and the rural daily life scene. This way the universal dimension of the episode is highlighted allowing a better understanding for the contemporaries. The sculptor has represented the episodes of the Adoration of the Magi and the Announce to the Shepherd with great talent and numerous details giving life to a picturesque and narrative scene. The important traces of polychromy give those already very animated scenes a stronger pictorial power and a rich dynamism. Because of the picturesque and familiar realism so dear to the artists of the late Medieval era, of the didactic function of this type of panel as well as the quality of the sculpture this piece is an astounding example of Burgundian art of the 15th century. Literature Louis Réau, Iconographie de l’Art chrétien...

Unique pair of Italian hand-carved caryatids, dating back to 1500 circa, almost 83 inches 210cm high, this antique pair of dark patina Renaissance sculptures comes from a choral ense...

Exceptional virgin and child in majesty or “Sedes Sapientiae”, throne of wisdom Origin: southwestern France. Period: late 12th - early 13th cen...

Pair of 17th century Italian walnut carved caryatids, an antique pair of Baroque hand-carved female figures with a beautiful dark patina. Good age related conditions, both carved panels show original iron hooks in the back, they were probably part of a paneled walls of an opulent antique building...

This Virgin and Child is wearing clothes with a limited number of folds and showing a thickness characteristic of the Burgundy region. As a result of the presence in the region of th...

Pair of Italian Renaissance style (17/18th Century) walnut and gilt trimmed large crouching figures with musical instruments on pedestal bases (PRICED AS PAIR).  

A striking and most impressive French late 18th early 19th century solid walnut of David having slain Goliath signed A. Mercié. The statue is raised by a finely carved wrap-around be...

Very elegant sculpture reprenting a Putti (angel) from the German renaissance period -16 century Rare sculpture in walnut of great quality with a very beau...

A French Baroque style walnut putto from the late 18th century, sitting on a pillow. Created in France during the last quarter of the 18th century, this walnut sculpture charms us wi...

This hand carved seated cherub is of a nice size at nearly 23 inches tall. The cherub is holding a piece of draped cloth in front of its chest and still has both wings intact. The sc...

A Thai bronze head of the Buddha. Sukothai period, late 16th-early 17th century. His face with serene expression, arched eyebrows above incised eyes a...