16th Century Figurative Sculptures

A Chinese Fahua glazed pottery figure of Songzi Guanyin with child. A rare yellow, turquoise and green glazed statue of Guanyin with downward gaze h...

Mechelen dolls are rare wooden devotional figurines (mainly walnut was used), which were made by some members of the Guild of Saint Luke. The figures, all individual saints, were made from reference models using highly regulated carving and polychrome techniques. They had to meet several requirements. The shape of the rug had to meet certain criteria and the letter M (from Mechelen) had to be visible in the shape. These devotional or saint figurines...

Beautiful weathered oak winged angel head Renaissance ornament. France, 16/ 17th century. Weathered Measurements include the wooden pedestal.

16th century Italian carved and polychromed figure of a male saint or prophet with a wonderful presence. Shown holding an open book in his right hand with flames at his feet, mid-16t...

Beautiful weathered oak winged angel head Renaissance ornament. France, 16/ 17th century. Weathered Measurements include the wooden pedestal.

Exceptional polychrome wood low-relief depicting a werewolf and saint george after a woodcut by lucas cranach (“DER WERWOLF” 1512) Provenance : collection Brimo de Laroussihle colle...

A rare and very fine bronze corpus of Christ after a model by Michelangelo, cast ca. 1597-1600 by Juan Bautista Franconio and painted in 1600 by Francisco Pacheco in Seville, Spain. The present corpus reproduces a model attributed to Michelangelo. The best known example, lesser in quality, is one on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET). The association of this corpus with Michelangelo was first brought to light by Manuel Gomez-Moreno (1930-33) who studied the wider circulated casts identified throughout Spain. The attribution to Michelangelo was subsequently followed by John Goldsmith-Phillips (1937) of the MET and again by Michelangelo expert, Charles de Tolnay (1960). While Michelangelo is best known for his monumental works, there are four documented crucifixes he made. The best known example is the large-scale wooden crucifix for the Church of Santa Maria del Santo Spirito in Florence, made in 1492 as a gift for the Prior, Giovanni di Lap Bicchiellini, for allowing him to study the anatomy of corpses at the hospital there. In 1562, Michelangelo wrote two letters to his nephew, Lionardo, indicating his intention to carve a wooden crucifix for him. In 1563 a letter between Lionardo and the Italian sculptor Tiberio Calcagni, mentions this same crucifix (a sketch of a corpus on the verso of a sheet depicting Michelangelo’s designs for St. Peter’s Basillica [Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille] may reproduce this). That Michelangelo was working on small corpora in the last years of his life is further evidenced by the small (26.5 cm) unfinished wooden crucifix located at the Casa Buonarroti, considered his last known sculptural undertaking. Michelangelo’s contemporary biographer, Giorgio Vasari additionally cites that Michelangelo, in his later years, made a small crucifix for his friend, Menighella, as a gift. Surviving sketches also indicate Michelangelo’s study of this subject throughout his career, most notably during the end of his life but also during the 1530s-40s as he deepened his spiritual roots. The occasional cameo of crucified Christ’s throughout his sketched oeuvre have made it challenging for scholars to link such sketches to any documented commissions of importance. All the while, in consideration that such objects were made as gifts, it is unlikely they should be linked with commissions. Nonetheless, a number of theories concerning Michelangelo’s sketches of Christ crucified have been proposed and some may regard the origin of the present sculpture. It has been suggested that the corpus could have its impetus with Michelangelo’s work on the Medici Chapel, whose exclusive design was given to the master. It is sensible smaller details, like an altar cross, could have fallen under his responsibility (see for example British Museum, Inv. 1859,0625.552). Others have noted the possibility of an unrealized large marble Crucifixion group which never came to fruition but whose marble blocks had been measured according to a sheet at the Casa Buonarroti. A unique suggestion is that Michelangelo could have made the crucifix for Vittoria Colonna, of whom he was exceedingly fond and with whom he exchanged gifts along with mutual spiritual proclivities. In particular, Vittoria had an interest in the life of St. Bridget, whose vision of Christ closely resembles our sculpture, most notably with Christ’s proper-left leg and foot crossed over his right, an iconography that is incredibly scarce for crucifixes. The suggestion could add sense to Benedetto Varchi’s comment that Michelangelo made a sculpted “nude Christ…he gave to the most divine Marchesa of Pescara (Vittoria Colonna).” Of that same period, two sketches can be visually linked to our sculpture. Tolnay relates it to a sketch of a Crucified Christ at the Teylers Museum (Inv. A034) of which Paul Joannides comments on its quality as suggestive of preparations for a sculptural work. Joannides also calls attention to a related drawing attributed to Raffaello da Montelupo copying what is believed to be a lost sketch by Michelangelo. Its relationship with our sculpture is apparent. Montelupo, a pupil of Michelangelo’s, returned to Rome to serve him in 1541, assisting with the continued work on the tomb of Pope Julius II, suggesting again an origin for the corpus ca. 1540. The earliest firm date that can be given to the present corpus is 1574 where it appears as a rather crudely conceived Crucifixion panel, flanked by two mourners in low-relief and integrally cast for use as the bronze tabernacle door to a ciborium now located at the Church of San Lorenzo in Padula. Etched in wax residue on the back of the door is the date, 27 January 1574, indicating the corpus would have at least been available as a model by late 1573. The Padula tabernacle was completed by Michelangelo’s assistant, Jacopo del Duca and likely has its origins with Michelangelo’s uncompleted tabernacle for the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Rome. The impetus for the Padula tabernacle’s Crucifixion panel begins with a series of late Crucifixion sketches by Michelangelo, depicting a scene of Christ crucified and flanked by two mourners (see British Museum Inv. 1895.0915.510; Ashmolean Museum Inv. 1846.89, KP II 343 recto; Windsor Castle RCIN 912761 recto; and Louvre Inv. 700). A faintly traced block possibly intended for sculpting the sketch of the crucified Christ on its recto was discovered by Tolnay on a version of the composition at Windsor Castle. The Windsor sketch and those related to it appear to have served as preparatory designs for what was probably intended to become the Basilica of St. Mary’s tabernacle door. Vasari documents that the project was to be designed by Michelangelo and cast by his assistant, Jacopo del Duca. Michelangelo died before the commission was complete, though on 15 March 1565, Jacopo writes to Michelangelo’s nephew stating, “I have started making the bronze tabernacle, depending on the model of his that was in Rome, already almost half complete.” Various circumstances interrupted the completion of the tabernacle, though its concept is later revitalized by Jacopo during preparations to sell a tabernacle, after Michelangelo’s designs, to Spain for Madrid’s El Escorial almost a decade later. The El Escorial tabernacle likewise encountered problems and was aborted but Jacopo successfully sold it shortly thereafter to the Carthusians of Padula. An etched date, 30 May 1572, along the base of the Padula tabernacle indicates its framework was already cast by then. A 1573 summary of the tabernacle also describes the original format for the door and relief panels, intended to be square in dimension. However, a last minute decision to heighten them was abruptly made during Jacopo’s negotiations to sell the tabernacle to King Phillip II of Spain. Shortly thereafter the commission was aborted. Philippe Malgouyres notes that the Padula tabernacle’s final state is a mixed product of the original design intended for Spain’s El Escorial, recycling various parts that had already been cast and adding new quickly finished elements for its sale to Padula, explaining its unusually discordant quality, particularly as concerns the crudeness of the door and relief panels which were clearly made later (by January 1574). Apart from his own admission in letters to Spain, it is apparent, however, that Jacopo relied upon his deceased master’s designs while hastily realizing the Padula panels. If Michelangelo had already earlier conceived a crucifix model, and Jacopo had access to that model, its logical he could have hastily employed it for incorporation on the door panel to the tabernacle. It is worth noting some modifications he made to the model, extending Christ’s arms further up in order to fit them into the scale of the panel and further lowering his chin to his chest in order to instill physiognomic congruence. A crude panel of the Deposition also follows after Michelangelo’s late sketches and is likewise known by examples thought to be modifications by Jacopo based upon Michelangelo’s initial sculptural conception (see Malgouyres: La Deposition du Christ de Jacopo del Duca, chef-d’oeuvre posthume de Michel-Ange). Jacopo’s appropriation of an original model by Michelangelo for more than one relief on the Padula tabernacle adds further indication that the crucifix was not an object unique to Jacopo’s hand, as few scholars have posited, but rather belongs to Michelangelo’s original...

A wonderful 16th century draped female torso in classical style. Made in France under Italian Renaissance influence this female torso is finely sculpted with great detail to the stol...

A petite Chinese Ming dynasty green glazed terracotta court official figurine from the 15th or 16th century, with original polychromy. Attracting our eye with its vibrant polychromy,...

A lovely northern Thai cast bronze seated meditating Buddha statue with shell inlaid eyes, style of Wat Chedi Luang, Lan Na Kingdom, region of Chiang Mai, 15th-16th century.  The statue of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, is portrayed in dhyanasana, seated upon a double lotus pedestal atop a raised platform. His legs in virasana, the half lotus position, hands in dhyana mudra, the gesture of meditation. The Buddha's face is youthful and pleasant, reminiscent of faces of contemporaneous Sukhothai Buddha...

Paolo di Giovanni Sogliani (Florence 1455-1522) Processional Cross Florence, around 1515 Enameled, chiseled, engraved, stippled, and gilded copper; wooden core ; Inscription: "OPA...

This rare and extraordinary 16th-century French sculpture depicts the iconic Pietà, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and emotional depth. Finely carved from wood and adorned with...

Formerly known as the "Master of Magione", Nero Alberti da Sansepolcro established a workshop around Perugia in the mid 16th century specializing in the production of devotional imag...

A Very Large Virgin and Child in walnut wood, carved in the round, trampling on Eve biting into the apple. The theme of the Virgin and Child is the most represented in all Christian...

Oak sculpture of Saint Anne, 16th century. Large oak sculpture of Saint Anne. Work from the Upper Rhine, Basel region. First third of the 16th century. An arm is missing from the i...

Rare 16th-Century Spanish Polychrome Alabaster Sculpture of the Virgin Mary Description: This exquisite and rare 16th-century Spanish sculpture of the Virgin Mary is a masterful example of Renaissance religious art. Finely carved in alabaster, the figure retains traces of its original polychrome finish, reflecting the craftsmanship and devotional spirit of the era. The Virgin Mary is depicted with grace and serenity, her delicate features and flowing robes showcasing the artistry of the period. The sculpture’s natural patina and signs of age enhance its authenticity, making it a significant piece for collectors of sacred or historical art. Dimensions: Height: 44 cm Width: 17 cm Depth: 15 cm Key Features: 16th-Century Craftsmanship: A finely detailed alabaster carving with remnants of polychrome, representing the Virgin Mary. Spanish Renaissance Origin: A testament to the religious and artistic traditions of 16th-century Spain. Authentic Patina: Centuries of natural wear add historical depth and character to the piece. Devotional and Artistic Appeal: Perfect for private collections, sacred spaces, or as a centerpiece in any setting. Good Condition: Well-preserved for its age, maintaining its structural integrity and artistic impact. This rare alabaster sculpture offers a glimpse into the religious devotion and artistic achievements of the Spanish Renaissance. Its historical significance and timeless beauty make it an exceptional addition to any collection. Why Choose This Sculpture? A genuine 16th-century artifact of exceptional craftsmanship. A piece that embodies the spiritual and artistic legacy of Renaissance Spain. Adds profound historical and devotional value to any collection or space. Bring home this extraordinary polychrome alabaster Virgin Mary...

Set of two 16th century oak panels, one representing a character accompanied by a dog, the other a character in flames, probably saints. These ...

Carved wooden sculpture of Mary Magdalene, circa 1500. Large limewood sculpture with traces of polychromy representing Mary Magdalene, German work, circa 1500. H: 80cm. W: 35cm, D: ...

A rare pair of carved sandstone Burmese temple guards. Originates from paragode in Burma c. 15-17th century. Handcarved with fine details. Each guard ...

A small Thai cast seated bronze figure of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, Northern Thailand, Ayutthaya period, 16th century. This sculpture captures the m...

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...

400-600 year old sandstone figure of a "Demon" carved in deep relief. In good original condition with a natural age-related patina that emphasizes the figure's age and authenticity. ...

Ananda is portrayed in a typical fashion, as a youthful monk with a shaved head and dressed in simple robes. He stands upon a double lotus pedestal with hands clasped in front of him...

Angel. Carved and polychrome wood. Century XVI. Polychrome wood carving showing an angel, with the face facing the viewer and the body in pr...

Asian Chinese (Ming Dynasty-Circa 1500) blue & green porcelain Shou Lau seated figure with oversize head (symbolism of longevity & luck) on a base suppo...

A very striking 16th century statue - head of a nobleman - crafted from Roman concrete - opus caementicium. Roman concrete is durable due to its incorporation of volcanic ash, which...

A Pair of Chinese Enameled Sancai Glazed Pottery Attendant Figures Representing Dignitaries. Ming Dynasty Period. Circa 1600AD Dimensions; 23 x 5.5 x 5.25 inches (58.4 x 13.7 x 13.3 ...

In Medieval Europe and even more during the early 16th century fantastic beasts could be found in Bestiaries, a literary genre close to poetry. A bestiary used the characteristics of...

15-16th century sandstone sculpture depicting Prince Siddhartha's (Buddha) horse, 'Kanthaka', during The Great Renunciation. Indra leads the horse, four yakshas bear his feet, Channa holds firmly by the tail. The Great Renunciation or Great Departure is the traditional term for the departure of Gautama Buddha from his palace at Kapilavastu to live a life as an ascetic. From Buddha pagoda / temple in Arakan, Burma, 1400-1500. Untouched and in original condition with stunning patina. Mounted on light sandstone plinth...

Fra Mattia Della Robbia (Firenze 1468-1534) Saint Joseph Terracotta Tuscany, around 1505-1510 55 x 40 x 30 cm Marco della Robbia the Younger (April 6, 1468 in Florence - 15...

SAINT CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA ORIGIN : SWABIA, ULM REGION PERIOD : ca. 1510-1520 Height : 118 cm Length : 39 cm Depth : 17 cm Limewood...

These are a truly special piece of early Religious art. These are a pair of 16th century carved wooden bishops from the Picardy region in France. T...

Spanish school of the sixteenth century. "Saint Paul". Carved and polychrome wood. Devotional image of a round piece carved in wood, polychrome and gilded, representing the Apostle ...

The bronze statue depicts a Turkish warrior with shield and sword. the warrior is shown bare without veils, with a base also made of oval-shaped bronze, acting in a war scene. Detai...

An outstanding French mid-16th century Body of Christ. Expertly carved from natural fruitwood. Stunning patina. The corpus has been attached to a base i...

Carved wood depicting the resurrection of Christ ORIGIN : SOUTHERN NETHERLANDS, ANTWERP PERIOD : EARLY 16th CENTURY Height : 67.5 cm Len...

A pair of 16th Century Italian wood carved figures of Saint Ambrose Archbishop of Milan and Saint Augustine Bishop of Hippo, two of the four original Doc...

In the heart of ancient China, within the resplendent Ming dynasty, a masterpiece was cast in bronze, a testament to a culture steeped in mysticism and spirituality. This Taoist bron...

An Unusual and Rare English ‘Memento Mori’ Carved Shrine with Two Human Skulls to the underside, a carved ‘Dragonfly’ Marble 16th / 17th Century England Size: 36cm high, 28cm w...

This majestic sculpture of the Virgin Mary, created in the 16 th century, is a unique piece of sacred art that stands out for its impressive detail and the beauty of its form. Crafte...

A striking Japanese late Muromachi Period (1333-1573) lacquered and giltwood figure of Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, seated upon an elaborate car...

Presenting a remarkable 16th-century Russian Orthodox icon crucifix, a testament to the artistry and spirituality of its era. This meticulously hand-painted and carved wood masterpiece is adorned with three bars, finished in radiant gold gilding, and richly polychromed, making it a truly captivating work of religious art. The central scene portrays the crucifixion, with figures of Martha, Maria, Johannes, and Longinus depicted beneath the cross. Above, the icon features the symbol of the skull of Adam, representing the triumph over death following the original sin. Atop this iconic composition stands God Sabaoth, flanked by two celestial angels, adding a heavenly aura to the piece. What makes this icon truly exceptional are the five scenes meticulously depicted from Orthodox festive days, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of religious traditions and celebrations. This Russian Orthodox crucifix...

Pair of polychrome wood sculptures. "San Juan and San Pablo". Castilian school, 16th century. Both male figures have been represented standing, with their main iconographic attrib...

Medieval iron locks and keys were essential for securing property and symbolizing power during the Middle Ages. Crafted by skilled blacksmiths, these locks featured intricate mechan...

Religious sculpture representing the nativity, carved wood from the 16th century. Carved wood sculpture, walnut wood and oak wood base, sculpture representing the nativity, circa 16...

16th Century Spanish gold gilded and polychromed Carved-wood sculpture of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. She depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary in her...

This majestic sculpture of the Virgin Mary, created in the 16 th century, is a unique piece of sacred art that stands out for its impressive detail and the beauty of its form. Crafte...

A rare and unusual Chinese Ming Dynasty bronze figure of the Buddha as an infant. The young Prince Siddhartha, who would grow up to become the Buddha, is portrayed standing, one hand pointing to the sky, the other to the ground. He is naked, save for a baby apron...

500-600 year old sandstone carving. The sculpture is depicting 'Two demons riding on elephants'. From Buddha pagoda / temple in Arakan, Burma, 1400-1500. Untouched and in original condition with great patina. Mounted on light sandstone plinth...

Large high relief in carved and gilt wood, with many traces of polychromy, representing the Adoration of the Shepherds. The evangelist Luke first mentions that the scene takes place at night. A sudden light, which frightens the shepherds, signals the arrival of an angel who announces "great joy". He gives them a sign: they will find "a newborn baby wrapped...

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

16th Century Italian carved-wood and polychromed sculpture of Jesus Christ the conqueror raising the flag after his resurrection.

Agnolo di Polo (Firenze 1470 - Arezzo 1528) Saint Nicholas of Tolentino Around 1510-1520 Painted and gilded terracotta 55.5 x 24 x 16.5 cm San Nicholas de Tolentino is represe...

Large Virgin and Child Statue in Majesty, seated, holding Christ in her left hand. Sixteenth century Mosan(?) work. Oak wood, hollowed out at the back. No traces of original gilt no...

Early 16c English oak panel with applied carved head of a Tudor lady size 38 cms x 29cms deep and 3cms deep

A pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) sancai-glazed ridge tiles modelled as horse and rider. Both tiles are glazed in rich green and amber, the horses ...

Early 16th Century Spanish gold gilded and polychromed carved wood sculpture of John The Baptist.

Most likely Ming 15th/16th Century, carved chicken bone jade figure of a standing Guanyin (Quanyin) holding a scroll in one hand, prayer beads in the other. Affixed to carved wood ba...

Griffin head Italy, 16th century On a modern metal stand Measures: 20 x 29 x 21 cm (without the stand) The griffin is a legendary creature with the body of a lion, the head an...

Late 16th century Italian school oil on a wood panel painting of The Madonna with Christ Child and the infant St. John the Baptist. Mount Vesuvius is erupting in the background. This painting was part of the collection of Fred B...