Renaissance Figurative Sculptures

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

GILT BRONZE CORPUS CHRISTI Probably German, circa 17th century or 18th century 6 3/8" H Gilt bronze, later stand A small gilt bronze Corpus Christi following the tradition of thos...

Bronze male sculpture signed. Fonderia Giorgio Sommer Calabritto Napoli Thomas, sculptor, lived and worked in the Naples area, and especially on Capri, from 1889 to 1906. Given this ...

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...

Antique (late 19th to early 20th century) patinated bronze sculptures of Mercury and Fortuna after the original models by Giambologna (1529-1608), aka Giovanni da Bologna (Italian) a...

A very pretty Italian mid century religious triptych depicting Raphael’s Madonna of the Chair. Label on the back. Made in Italy, Florence. Measurements: Closed 12cm. Open 24cm Heigh...

Capturing the timeless grandeur of Renaissance artistry, this vintage Italian sculpture is a finely detailed reproduction of Michelangelo’s iconic "David." Masterfully carved from fi...

This is an alabaster group sculpture of the Cretan princess and daughter of the king Minos of Crete, Ariadne seated over her panther. Her left elbow is over the head of the panther a...

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...

This compelling Italian 19th century white glazed porcelain sculpture depicts ‘The Rape of the Sabines’, after a monumental work by the Renaissance artist, Giambologna (1529-1608) th...

A Very Rare and Important Marble Relief of the ‘Resurrection of Christ’ Attributed to the Master of the Mascoli Altar Marble Venice, Italy Second half of the 15th Century SIZE: ...

Vintage Polychrome Plaster Bust of Ippolita Maria Sforza in the Renaissance Style After Francesco Laurana. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 19" H x 19" W x 9" D.

Majestic majolica Amphora vase, with a height of 200 cm (78,7 in) and a diameter of 70 cm (27,5 in): a unique piece, entirely handmade and hand-painted in Gubbio, Central Italy, in 1...

This is an old large Spaniard hand painted and carved wood nude baby Jesus. He has hand painted large expressive eyes and eye brows. His abundant hair is bro...

A rare enamel, gold and rock crystal figure of Emperor Maximilian I by Reinhold Vasters, Aachen, In the Renaissance style, circa 1870. The g...

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

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

Pair of bronze sculptures of Mercury and Fortuna French, late 19th century Measures: Mercury: Height 64cm, width 11cm, depth 27cm Fortuna: Heigh...

Large, finely carved marble coat of arms surmounted by a knight's helmet and surrounded by rich, harmoniously curved mantling. The shield is composed of 3 fortified towers, a fleur-...

Important and refined oval polychrome stucco depicting the Madonna and Child. The mother and child are held in a tender embrace, and in addition to the Madonna's typical robes, two h...

Fantastic reproduction of the famous saltcellar of Benvenuto Cellini, symbol of the world goldsmith's art. The master goldsmith made only very few copies of this wonderful object that makes it a unique piece in the world. 6.641 grams of solid silver. Some information on the original piece by Benvenuto Cellini: The Cellini Salt...

In reference to the remarkaple marble group of three larger-than-life figures, known as ‘The Rape of the Sabine Women’, which is located under the right arcade of the Loggia dei Lanz...

A unique pair of marble obelisks, 19th century Magnificent sculptures, base and obelisk in red French marble, lions in black Belgian marble and Nembro Giallo marble. Spectacular fo...

A pair of cast bronze cherubs or putti standing contrapposto on a square red marble base, France, circa late 1800s. Note: These charming cherubic figures were probably used in combi...

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

Italian renaissance hand carved wooden "putto" angel head, circa 15th Century Width 14 inches / height 14 inches / depth 4 inches 1 available in stock in Italy Order reference #: FAB...

PAIR of Italian Venetian style (Art Nouveau) life size polychromed figures of women standing on round globes with green painted and decorated pedestal base

Jacques Bergé "King David" - Terracotta or Fired Clay with Polychrome Remnants Dated 1736 14.5" h x 5.5" w x 4.5" d A rare and exceptionally refined terracotta sculpture of *King ...

A large 16th-century hand-carved wooden fragment depicting a kneeling angel in adoration, arms extended and wearing a gentle, serene expression. Likely of Northern European origin, t...

Pair of 16th Century Italian carved polychromed angelic sculptures.

PAIR of Italian Renaissance style (late19th Century) walnut life-size carved figures of the Devil and his wife standing on pedestal bases. (attributed to Francesco Toso) (PRICED AS P...

An antique carved boxwood cherub decorative wall hanging dating to circa 1650. Crafted in boxwood, this renaissance style sculpture depicts a detailed handcarved cherub or putti bea...

This marble figure of a sleeping child was crafted around 1800 in the style of François Duquesnoy, a sculptor active in Italy in the early 17th Century....

Head David Sculpture In Antique Bronze Finish On Black Marble Base The Head David sculpture is a sophisticated decorative object featuring a rich antique bronze finish that evokes a...

"Ferdinando Vichi", Florence 1875-1945. Romantic figure of sitting woman. Made in marble, sitting on a chair made of bronze, original pedestal of green, Italian marble. Sign. Vichi. Ca. in 1900. (In two pieces) Ferdinando Vichi (1875-1945) was a central figure in the production of Florentine sculpture...

Rare Bronzes Depicting two Figures in Turkish Attire Possibly Suleiman the Magnificent at two different ages bronzes, alabaster bases Venice, early 17th century 19,5 x 6 x 5 cm These two rare bronze statuettes represent two figures dressed in elaborate "Turkish" attire. They are mounted on alabaster bases with bronze reliefs—one featuring the winged lion of Venice, and the other possibly symbolizing Turkey with a wolf depiction. One figure wears a grand külah, a spherical turban with a cone top, signifying royal authority, while the other has a wrapped turban, denoting rank and religious identity. Their garments are richly detailed with intricate engravings, suggesting luxurious fabrics of the Ottoman court. The statuettes may represent Suleiman the Magnificent at two different stages of life, as both young and old. The sultan depicted alongside the winged lion corresponds to a description from a Venetian delegate in 1534, when Suleiman was 43. At that time, he had conquered Iraq from the Safavids and achieved a decisive victory over the Papal fleet at the Battle of Preveza. He was described as having large eyes, an aquiline nose, and long red mustaches—traits visible in Cristofano dell'Altissimo’s portrait of Suleiman in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Unlike Mehmed II, who commissioned portraits by European artists for diplomatic purposes, Suleiman did not directly order such representations. Instead, his likeness spread through works by artists like Albrecht Dürer, based on sketches made by diplomats. Following his capture of Belgrade in 1521, his victory over Hungary in 1526, and his siege of Vienna...

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...

Stunning pair of large polychrome marble obelisks with various inlays, 215 cm high. First of all, their dimensions are noteworthy: they are 215 cm tall! Origin: Venice, private coll...

Hand-carved Italian Corpus Christi with traces of polychromy. This sculpture reflects the transition from Gothic to Renaissance style.

An interesting and well-modelled pair of late 19th century French terracotta renaissance style figures after Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824-1887) with a bronzed finish. The le...

Italy, circa 1680 A monumental and finely carved wooden sculpture depicting Saint James the Greater (Santiago de Compostela), created in Italy around 1680. Executed during the Baroq...

Exceptional altarpiece representing the annunciation circa 1600, fruitwood rare altarpiece from the North of Portugal, unique due to its large size representing the scene of the annunciation, where the Archangel Gabriel (represented on the bottom left), sent by god (represented on the top left) announces to Marie (bottom right) that she will give birth to Jesus. Very good state of conservation, carved on three panels Dimension: Height 1m51 Width 1m03 Very nice colour and exceptional dimensions Restorations of use We placed the altarpiece on a red velvet base and a Spanish occasional...

Renaissance Fragment: The Grotesque Candelabrum
 Italy, 16th century
 Marble 29 x 21 x 12,5 cm This fragment of a white marble pilaster constitutes a remarkable testament to the orn...

Pair of gothic revival carved cherubs circa 1970. Good quality pair of hardwood cherubs which are coloured to match walnut. Each figure seated on a plinth base of carved rock, tree...

"This is a fragment of a sculpture depicting a winged lion, carved from Verona stone, probably dating from the 1500s." The lion, a symbol of strength and majesty, has a powerful appe...

Saint John the Baptist 18th century Portuguese sculpture from the 18th century. in polychrome wood. The figure is represented standing with the lamb. Small flaws. Measure: ...

Christ
 Umbria, Orvieto?
 Second half of the 15th century
 77 x 16.5 cm

Masterful pair of 20th-century Malachite Obelisks with a Carrara marble base and graceful gilded bronze friezes. The base features engravings of Masonic symbols. The pair is from a...

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...

PAIR OF CORBELS 19th century Portuguese brown wood Profuse decoration with plant motifs. Dim.: 38 x 31 cm good state

Unique and precious sculpture in carved white marble, likely depicting Aeolus, the god of the wind. The sculpture originated as a fountain mask, as evidenced by the opening in the mo...

Hand Carved Stone Column Base pedestal Sculpture Doorstop Decorative Element LA . Nicely hand carved 17th century Renaissance stone column base appli...

Italian Renaissance painted pine life size figure of religious scholar holding book (17/18th Cent) Replacement finger

Pair of Renaissance Alabaster Columns Attributed to Cornelis Floris de Vriendt Flemish, Mid-16th Century 
Alabaster 
H: 27 cm; D: 10 cm This refined pair of all’antica alabaster col...

Pair 19thc Italian Renaissance/ Baroque style Large Carved and Polychromed Wood Full Relief Cherub Sculptures. Holding their instruments. These precious figures are large and hang be...

A dramatic patinated bronze statue depicting the mortal fight between Charles Martel a Medieval Frankish King over the Muslim KIng of the Saracens at ...

19th century Renaissance marble relief. The relief is carved to the Renaissance taste and is in very good condition. It is framed in a later frame ...

Throughout the sixteenth century, sculptors working in the German city of Nuremberg carved sculptural reliefs in various media. This polychrome example, which depicts Hercules’ battl...

Pair of patinated bronze figures after Giambologna French, late 19th Century Mercury: Height 84cm, width 17cm, depth 31cm Fortuna: Height 84.5cm, width 17cm, depth 29cm The patinated bronze figures are pictured in the nude, adopting active poses. Both stand on their tiptoes on one foot — Fortuna resting on a scrolling base, and Mercury on a gust of wind, produced by Zephyrus, the god of the western wind — and their other leg is flicked back. In both, one arm is raised, and the other rests at their side. The figures stand on cylindrical yellow marble bases, which are ringed with continuous relief panels, depicting cherubs at the helm of sailing ships, and navigating using globes...

Important bas-relief in carved wood with traces of gilt, in an architectural frame with two angels in the corners, representing Saint Rocco. Considered, among other things, the Patro...