Baroque Figurative Sculptures

CHRIST'S SUPPER in Portuguese Terracotta 18th Century composed of fourteen figures in polychrome terracotta. Period defects and repainting Height: (largest) 56 cm. It belonged to th...

Pair of Carved Wood Putti on Carved Base from the 1700s are two naked cherubs covered only by their golden loincloths; apparently two heralding angels without wings, they stand on ti...

18th century Spanish Conquistador carved wood figure. 18th century Carved and painted wood Spanish Conquistador figure or sculpture. This beautif...

The young man, covered only with a cloth, known in Greek mythology as ‘the most beautiful of all boys’, sits on the back of Zeus, who has been transformed into an eagle, and is carri...

Excellent Meissen porcelain sculpture: Very elaborate and lovingly designed group of figures: two young women with artfully pinned-up hair and wrapped in cloths tied around their loi...

"Child Jesus". Carved and polychrome wood. Spanish school, 17th century. Base or pedestal made later. Christ is presented naked, with a slight contrapposto on the legs and hips that...

18th century Italian slipware decorated Pottery Group, "Fleeing the Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79AD" in Pompeii resulting in the death of over 100 people.. No marks. N.P. Trent has...

Pair of "Cariatidi" lamps in 800 silver. Completely hand-carved and embossed with scrolls motifs. Each part of the lamp has been finely embossed and chiseled by hand. The central pa...

A Wooden Madonna with child Baroque art, Southern Italy, 17th century. Measure: H: 71cm Good condition for the time. With Export Certificate to USA.

Early 19th century wooden statue of St Jerome, circa 1800. South Europe.

Large Terracotta relief of the flight into Egypt Lombardy, first half of 17th century Painted terracotta 91 x 85 x 11,5 cm This event in the early life of Christ is recounted i...

19th century Italian carved wood Santo foot. This stunning antique Italian carved wood Santo foot of an Archangel dressed as a Roman soldier. This beautifully carved and gilded sculp...

A pair of bronze serpent / snake incense burners censers, 20th century Italy After Antonio Pandiani (1838-1928), Milano. Oval base supporting coiled serpent swallowing adjustable s...

A Period German or French large scale Baroque Garden Statue of a Pan Satyr. Well carved with impish gaze and wrapped in sheepskin Ex Prominent New York Co...

Two marble angel heads with curly hair and hints of wings, designed in the opposite style.

18th century continental baroque style poly chrome decorated wood carving.

A very fine Italian 19th century carved Carrara marble figural fountain "Jardinière" modelled as a standing Putto and a Satyr supporting a sea-sh...

A wood carved baroque angel in old paint with wings 18th century There is a part missing, see pictures, and some wear due to age and use to the paint.

An Italian cherub, carved from linden wood wood. This graceful and exceptionally well-carved figure was likely part of an altar ensemble. The eyes and face are particularly well-form...

A very fine and Monumental French 19th century patinated bronze group Titled "The Abduction of the Sabine Women" after a model by Pierre Loison (French, 1816-1886), depicting a young scantily maiden being carried away on the arms of a Roman soldier, raised on circular ebonized wood and brass revolving pedestal stand. Signed at the base: P. Loison, circa: Paris, 1870-1880. Overall height (Sculpture and Pedestal): 91 inches (231.2 cm). Sculpture height: 54 3/4 inches (139.1 cm). Sculpture width: 24 inches (61 cm). Pedestal height: 36 inches (91.5 cm). Pedestal width (Widest): 25 1/2 inches (64.8 cm). Pierre Loison was a French sculptor of the 19th century born in the seaside town of Loir-et-Cher on July 5, 1816 and died in Cannes on February 3, 1886. In 1841, he joined the Pierre-Jean David d'Angers workshop where he became one of his favorite pupils. A year later he attended the School of Fine Arts in Paris. He exhibited for the first time at the Salon des artistes Français where in 1845 he was awarded third-class medal. In 1853 he was awarded First Place medal and at the Universal Exhibition of 1955 he received an honorable mention and another medal award in 1859. On 12 July 1859 and by decree, he was made "Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur". Pierre Loison is buried at The Montparnasse Cemetery in Paris. Works by Pierre Loison "Femme assise": Terre cuite (1843) au musée Gustave-Moreau à Paris "Jeune fille portant un vase": Statue en marbre blanc, (h. 1,25 m) datée de 1857 et présentée au Salon de 1859 ; la statue fut d’abord placée au Palais-Royal (appartements du prince Napoléon) ; elle est actuellement au musée des Beaux-arts de Dole ; une réplique de taille réduite est au Musée des arts décoratifs de Paris. "La Halle aux grains de Mer": Chaque façade de ce bâtiment, classé à l’inventaire supplémentaire des monuments historiques, comporte un fronton triangulaire et celui de la façade ouest représentant « L’Agriculture distribuant des couronnes aux enfants de Beauce et de Sologne » a été sculpté gracieusement par P. Loison, natif de la commune. "La Justice assise": Allégorie de la Justice au fronton du Palais de justice de Blois (1847). "Buste d’Achille Fould": Au musée du Château de Blois 8; "Nausicaa": Statue en plâtre présentée au Salon de 1874, au musée des Beaux-arts de Vendôme. "Statue de J-B. Pigalle sur la façade de l’hôtel de ville de Paris "Sculptures extérieures du Palais du Louvre": Pierre Loison est l’auteur de neuf statues qui décorent les façades du Louvre "Figure" (1878) au deuxième étage du Pavillon Marsan10; "La Navigation" (1868) sur la balustrade du premier étage du Pavillon des États11; "Pandore" (1861) sur l’aile Est12; « Vénus » (1865) Aile Marsan13; "l’Histoire et la Vérité" (1857)14; "La Poésie et la Philosophie" (1857)15 deux oculi du Pavillon Mollien, coté cour Napoléon ; "Concordet" (1857) sur la balustarde du premier étage de la Rotonde de Beauvais, coté cour Napoléon. "Statue de Sappho sur le rocher de Leucade : datée de 1859, (h. 1,85 m) sur la façade nord de la cour carrée du Palais du Louvre à Paris ; le modèle en plâtre, offert par Mme Loison, est au musée des Beaux-arts de Blois. "Vierge à l’enfant": Statue en marbre en l’église Saint-Pierre de Dampierre-en-Yvelines. "Jeune romain enlevant une Sabine": Groupe présenté au Salon de 1863 qui a été reproduit en bronze par la fonderie d’art Raingo frères. "Sépulture de la famille Hautoy : Au cimetière du Père-Lachaise, deux bas-reliefs en marbre représentant l’un "La vie de Famille," l’autre 'Le chantier," datés de 1880. "Demoiselle d’honneur de la Cour de François Ier": Statue en pierre exposée au Salon des artistes vivants en 1870 ; acquise par l’État à ce Salon, elle a été déposée en 1891, devant la mairie d’Aubin. "La Paix distribuant des palmes aux génies des Beaux-arts": Fronton du Château de Compiègne (1866). "Daphnis et Naïs": Groupe en marbre (1869) au musée de Picardie à Amiens. "Jean-Baptiste Pigalle": Statue en pierre (1881) sur la façade principale, au rez-de-chaussée de l’Hôtel de ville de Paris. "Gisant de Ferdinand-Philippe d'Orléans: dans la chapelle royale de Dreux en collaboration avec Ary Scheffer. "La Grace": Statue en marbre (1875) dans le grand foyer de l’opéra Garnier. The Abduction of the Sabine Women The Abduction of the Sabine Women is an episode in the legendary history of Rome, traditionally dated to 750 BC, in which the first generation of Roman men acquired wives for themselves from the neighboring Sabine families. Recounted by Livy and Plutarch (Parallel Lives II, 15 and 19), it provided a subject for Renaissance and post-Renaissance works of art that combined a suitably inspiring example of the hardihood and courage of ancient Romans with the opportunity to depict multiple figures, including heroically semi-nude figures, in intensely passionate struggle. Comparable themes from Classical Antiquity are the Battle of the Lapiths and Centaurs and the theme of Amazonomachy, the battle of Theseus with the Amazons. The Abduction is supposed to have occurred in the early history of Rome, shortly after its founding by Romulus and his mostly male followers. Seeking wives in order to found families, the Romans negotiated unsuccessfully with the Sabines, who populated the area. Fearing the emergence of a rival society, the Sabines refused to allow their women to marry the Romans. Consequently, the Romans planned to abduct Sabine women, during a festival of Neptune Equester and proclaimed the festival among Rome's neighbours. According to Livy, many people from Rome's neighbours including folk from the Caeninenses, Crustumini, and Antemnates, and many of the Sabines attended. At the festival Romulus gave a Signal, at which the Romans grabbed the Sabine women and fought off the Sabine men. The indignant abductees were soon implored by Romulus to accept Roman husbands. Livy says Romulus offered them free choice and promised civic and property rights to women. According to Livy, Romulus spoke to them each in person, declaring "that what was done was owing to the pride of their fathers, who had refused to grant the privilege of marriage to their neighbours; but notwithstanding, they should be joined in lawful wedlock, participate in all their possessions and civil privileges, and, than which nothing can be dearer to the human heart, in their common children." Responsibility of the men for meeting the needs of the children thus conceived was not included. War with the Sabines and other tribes Outraged at the occurrence, the King of the Caeninenses entered upon Roman territory with his army. Romulus and the Romans met the Caeninenses in battle, killed their king, and routed their army. Romulus later attacked Caenina and took it upon the first assault. Returning to Rome, he dedicated a temple to Jupiter Feretrius (according to Livy, the first temple dedicated in Rome) and offered the spoils of the enemy king as spolia opima. According to the Fasti Triumphales, Romulus celebrated a triumph over the Caeninenses on 1 March 752 BC. At the same time, the army of the Antemnates invaded Roman territory. The Romans retaliated, and the Antemnates were defeated in battle and their town captured. According to the Fasti Triumphales, Romulus celebrated a second triumph in 752 BC over the Antemnates. The Crustumini also started a war, but they too were defeated and their town captured. Roman colonists subsequently were sent to Antemnae and Crustumerium by Romulus, and many citizens of those towns also migrated to Rome (particularly the families of the captured women). The Sabines themselves finally declared war, led into battle by their king, Titus Tatius. Tatius almost succeeded in capturing Rome, thanks to the treason of Tarpeia, daughter of Spurius Tarpeius, governor of the citadel on the Capitoline Hill. She opened the city gates for the Sabines in return for "what they bore on their arms", thinking she would receive their golden bracelets. Instead, the Sabines crushed her to death with their shields, and her body was thrown from a rock known ever since by her name, the Tarpeian Rock. The Romans attacked the Sabines, who now held the citadel. The Roman advance was led by Hostus Hostilius, the Sabine defence by Mettus Curtius. Hostus fell in battle, and the Roman line gave way, They retreated to the gate of the Palatium. Romulus rallied his men by promising to build a temple to Jupiter Stator on the site. He then led them back into battle. Mettus Curtius was unhorsed and fled on foot, and the Romans appeared to be winning. At this point, however, the Sabine women intervened: [They], from the outrage on whom the war originated, with hair dishevelled and garments rent, the timidity of their sex being overcome by such dreadful scenes, had the courage to throw themselves amid the flying weapons, and making a rush across, to part the incensed armies, and assuage their fury; imploring their fathers on the one side, their husbands on the other, "that as fathers-in-law and sons-in-law they would not contaminate each other with impious blood, nor stain their offspring with parricide, the one their grandchildren, the other their children. If you are dissatisfied with the affinity between you, if with our marriages, turn your resentment against us; we are the cause of war, we of wounds and of bloodshed to our husbands and parents. It were better that we perish than live widowed or fatherless without one or other of you." The battle came to an end, and the Sabines agreed to unite in one nation with the Romans. Titus Tatius jointly ruled with Romulus until Tatius's death five years later. The new Sabine residents of Rome settled on the Capitoline Hill, which they had captured in the battle. Artistic representations: The Rape of the Sabine Women by Johann Heinrich Schönfeld The subject was popular during the Renaissance as symbolising the importance of marriage for the continuity of families and cultures. It was also an example of a battle subject in which the artist could demonstrate his skill in depicting female as well as male figures in extreme poses, with the added advantage of a sexual theme. It was depicted regularly on 15th-century Italian cassoni and later in larger paintings. A comparable opportunity from the New Testament was afforded by the theme of the Massacre of the Innocents. Giambologna The sculpture by Giambologna (1579–1583) that was reinterpreted as expressing this theme depicts three figures (a man lifting a woman into the air while a second man crouches) and was carved from a single block of marble. This sculpture is considered Giambologna's masterpiece. Originally intended as nothing more than a demonstration of the artist's ability to create a complex sculptural group, its subject matter, the legendary rape of the Sabines, had to be invented after Francesco I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, decreed that it be put on public display in the Loggia dei Lanzi in Piazza della Signoria, Florence. True to mannerist densely packed, intertwined figural compositions and ambitious overinclusive efforts, the statue renders a dynamic panoply of emotions, in poses that offer multiple viewpoints. When contrasted with the serene single-viewpoint pose of the nearby Michelangelo's David, finished nearly 80 years before, this statue is infused with the dynamics that lead towards Baroque, but the tight, uncomfortable, verticality— self-imposed by the author's virtuosic restriction to a composition that could be carved from a single block of marble— lacks the diagonal thrusts that Bernini would achieve forty years later with his Rape of Proserpina and Apollo and Daphne, both at the Galleria Borghese, Rome. The proposed site for the sculpture, opposite Benvenuto Cellini's statue of Perseus, prompted suggestions that the group should illustrate a theme related to the former work, such as the rape of Andromeda by Phineus. The respective rapes of Proserpina and Helen were also mooted as possible themes. It was eventually decided that the sculpture was to be identified as one of the Sabine virgins. The work is signed OPVS IOANNIS BOLONII FLANDRI MDLXXXII ("The work of Johannes of Boulogne of Flanders, 1582"). An early preparatory bronze featuring only two figures is in the Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte in Naples. Giambologna then revised the scheme, this time with a third figure, in two wax models now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. The artist's full-scale gesso for the finished sculpture, executed in 1582, is on display at the Accademia Gallery in Florence. Bronze reductions of the sculpture, produced in Giambologna's own studio and imitated by others, were a staple of connoisseurs' collections into the 19th century. Nicolas Poussin Nicolas Poussin produced two major versions of this subject, which enabled him to display to the full his unsurpassed antiquarian knowledge, together with his mastery of complicated relations of figures in dramatic encounter. One, now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was executed in Rome, 1634–35. It depicts Romulus at the left giving the Signal for the abduction. The second version, of 1636–37, now at the Louvre Museum, shows that, though some of the principal figures are similar, he had not exhausted the subject. The architectural setting is more developed. Peter Paul Rubens Peter Paul Rubens painted a version of the subject about 1635–40. It is at the National Gallery, London. Jacques-Louis David Jacques-Louis David painted the other end of the story, when the women intervene to reconcile the warring parties. The Sabine Women Enforcing Peace by Running Between the Combatants (also known as The Intervention of the Sabine Women ) was completed in 1799. It is in the Louvre Museum. David had worked on it from 1796, when France was at war with other European nations after a period of civil conflict culminating in the Reign of Terror and the Thermidorian Reaction, during which David himself had been imprisoned as a supporter of Robespierre. After David’s estranged wife visited him in jail, he conceived the IDEA of telling the story, to honor his wife, with the theme being love prevailing over conflict. The painting was also seen as a plea for the people to reunite after the bloodshed of the revolution. The painting depicts Romulus's wife Hersilia — the daughter of Titus Tatius, leader of the Sabines — rushing between her husband and her father and placing her babies between them. A vigorous Romulus prepares to strike a half-retreating Tatius with his spear, but hesitates. Other soldiers are already sheathing their swords. The rocky outcrop in the background is the Tarpeian Rock. John Leech The English 19th century satirical painter John Leech included in his Comic History of Rome a depiction of the Rape of the Sabine Women, where the women are portrayed, with a deliberate anachronism, in Victorian costume...

A Large and Impressive Continental 19th Century Patinated Bronze and Giltwood Carved Crucifix Former property of Siegfried & Roy, the renown German-Ame...

The Infant St John the Baptist, A first half of 17th century Sevillian School Cercle of Juan de Mesa Velasco (Córdoba, 1583 - Séville, 1627) Polychrome and carved wood Height: 65 cm ...

Magnificent and enormous pair of 17th century Italian Baroque period carved giltwood putti wall figures. The pair maintained its original gilding and co...

An exceptional 18th-century Spanish Baroque sculpture of the Immaculate Conception, carved in chestnut wood and richly polychromed and crowned. The sculpture retains its vibrant pi...

This 17th-century Flemish Baroque sculpture from Mechelen represents the Infant Jesus, arms outstretched in divine grace, blessing the viewer with serene charm. A remarkable piece o...

Italian School Sculpture "Hermaphrodite" 19th Century Carrara White Marble Group presented on a marble base Total height: 18 cm Width: 46.5 cm Depth: 25.5 cm good condition (in proce...

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. ...

A pair of antique Italian angels carrying a cornucopia, two exclusive Baroque polychrome hand painted and hand carved giltwood armorial sculptures dating back to late 17th century and coming from an private villa of Siena, a Tuscan city in Central Italy. This pair of hand carved, painted and gilded Cembran pinewood figurative sculptures represent two standing angels...

Beautiful pair of cerulean angels sculpted in the round in a very lively position (the movement in the hair is remarkable), almost baroque. Very nice execution of the armour in the ...

This unusual Baroque figure of Christ carved circa 1670 and 1700 is in a form associated with his removal from the cross after crucifixion but before his...

A fine pair of French 19th century gilt bronze and patinated bronze figural four-light candelabra, each modeled as a baby Bacchus, in the form of a child faun, seated on tree trunk a...

Hand carved Italian Santo: figure of Franciscan abbot or saint, circa 1780-1800. Note: Regional differences in humidity and climate during shipping may...

19th century, pair of French polychrome porcelain sculptures depicting cupid and psyche The delicious sculptures, made of hand-painted porcelain in polychrome, in Strasbourg in th...

19th Italian Baroque style carved, painted and gilt wood winged angel playing a violin. This utterly charming piece is wonderfully carved by a true artist and artisan. Just look at t...

Beautiful Italian Bronze Sculpture of Gladiators on a Marble Base 19th Century Dimensions 25x20 cm very good condition

Decorate a man's office with this elegant antique statue. Crafted in France, circa 1860, the sculpture named "Le Duel", features a soldier in traditional outfit and holding a sword. ...

Base. Carved and gilded wood. Spanish school, 17th century. Base for sculpture made of carved and gilded wood with a rectangular and flat shape, slightly raised on circular legs and...

Gallon base. Carved and polychrome wood. Inspired by models from the 17th century. Rectangular base with a similar cushion on the top (decorated with plant elements) and complex line...

XIX Century, Pair of Venetian gilt bronze fireplace Chenets in Baroque Style This imposing pair of Fireplace Chenets in finely chiselled and gi...

Roman bronze sculpture Depicts Roman Chariot 19th century Measures: cm. 33 × 66 H. 50 Good conditions.

Pair of 19th century male and female Italian carved figures This charming pair of figures stand almost 6ft high, they each have a socket in their ...

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...

Bas-relief in sculpted and gilded wood portraying the Ascension of Christ. By ascending to heaven, Jesus fulfils the meaning of his resurrection: to join, with his body, in the glor...

Exceptional and huge 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 ...

17th Century Italian wood image of Christ carrying his cross to calvary mounted on a hand-painted black panel and framed with a modern gold gilded hand-finished wood frame.  

Very elaborate and lovingly designed group of animal figures: European roller leaning forward, also known as almond crow in German-speaking countries, sitting on a tree trunk with o...

Meissen Rococo harlequin with bagpipes of most lovely appearance.: The lovely harlequin is sitting on a rocky base which is decorated with some flower blossoms with leaves. The male ...

An antique French pair of 19th Century Baroque Style Cherubs playing instruments and facing each other, in good condition. The left is playing the flute and the right cherub is playing a violin. Beautifully hand carved limestone statues with wings...

Italian 18th century hand-carved Corpus Christi, in original paint, or in some small areas early paint. Note: Original/early finish on antique a...

Introducing a captivating 17th-century Italian carved wood and polychromed, gold-gilded crucifix depicting Jesus on the cross. This remarkable piece...

A 19th century impressive large scale Italian Baroque style putti statue, depicts a winged cherub, with branch, different smaller scallop shells and hold...

Place this beautiful pair of antique carved figurines on a mantel or a console. Crafted in Italy, circa 1780, the tall sculptures depict two chubby cherubs standing on carved gilt ba...

A 18th Century superb italian sculpture of a draped Madonna with a veil, base with richly carved relief with cherubs and a baby Jesus on her lap in carved polychrome and gilded wood....

Pair of bronze statues representing the most famous and romantic lovers of Verona: Romeo and Juliet. Period 19th century by Angelo Cuglierero (...

Calvary hand-carved in boxwood. Calvary is a traditional religious scene that shows Jesus crucified on top of Mount Golgotha.

This finely carved wooden cherub head, dating back to around 1800, is a remarkable example of German craftsmanship. Unlike many similar pieces, this putto remains in its original, un...

Quite a stunning pair of Italian standing cherub or Angel carvings from the 18th century. Standing at almost 4 feet tall, the pair are quite large and realistic. Very impressive. Wit...

Beautiful miniature version in gilt bronze of one of the most famous Belgian monuments and the symbol of the city of Brussels. 'Manneken Pis'. On a marble plinth. Stamped on the back...