Painted Figurative Sculptures

An attractive early 20th Century Art Deco cold painted silver and red enamel bronze figure of a young energetic beauty in a dancing pose with a scarf draped around her midriff. The b...

Whimsical carved figure of skin diver , spear fisherman . Decked in wet suit with spear gun and fresh catch . Hand carved in Italy late 1960s into the ...

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...

Cleopatra, the most famous queen of ancient Egypt, is represented in this masterful limited edition in High Porcelain. This exclusive high porcelain piece, made in matte porcelain...

A lovely large 20" Mid-Century Italian majolica basket of lemons topiary centerpiece. No maker's mark. Freshen up your kitchen or breakfast room with this charming hand painted arran...

Tang Dynasty Full Set Of Painted Pottery Zodiac Figures (TL tested) The Thermoluminescence Report (Item #185404) will accompany this sale. A Rare Set of Chinese Pottery Zodiac Figures from the Tang Dynasty painted with black and orange pigments. The conventional order of the twelve Chinese zodiac...

Antique Italian Elaborately Decorated Ceramic Sculpture by Prof. Eugenio Pattarino, features form of a Woman in Venetian Mask and Colorful Drapery Embellished with Gold, Blue and Red...

One of the female characters of the most famous fantasy saga in history is faithfully reproduced in this porcelain piece which is sure to delight the countless fans of Star Wars all over the globe. Finished in white matte porcelain with touches of glaze, enamels and golden luster, the piece is decorated with the character’s signature colors. It depicts Queen Amidala in ceremonial robes, celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Phantom Menace...

This very detailed Vienna bronze was made by the premier foundry of this genre, Franz Bergmann, and does bear his seal on the underside of the rug. The man praying is delicately pai...

Pre-owned goods are exempt from import duties for U.S. customers. Therefore, no import tariffs will be applicable to your purchase. Meissen, Germany. Porcelain figurine of boy with basket...

Pair of Serge Roche Gesso & Painted Plaster Exotic Fruit & Flower Topiaries France, Circa 1950s This rare pair of French Modern sculptural masterworks, attributed to the workshop ...

Homenaje a Frida Kahlo Sergio Bustamante Sculpture, Ceramic 15/25 Offered for sale is a Sergio Bustamante ceramic sculpture titled "Homenaje a Frida Kahlo" created in the 1990s, sig...

18th century Jesus Child Terracotta Sculpture an Italian Holy and devotional art polychromed figure  depicting Baby Jesus standing on an a carved and go...

Herend Hungarian hand-painted porcelain figure depicting a Venetian mask, decorated with a motif of flowers, birds and butterflies; decor ZO. Exemplary 1...

Rare late 15th century or early 16th century Gothic Corpus Christi wood sculpture. Probably North German or South Sweden. This large Christ sculpture...

Wonderful work of art for displaying on a side table, dresser etc. This Art Deco sculpture embodies everything we love about art and antiques. The beautiful and realistic, young female in her 1920s dress and hairdo is a work of art (deco) by herself. Flanked by her equally stylish greyhound dogs this lady sculpture will look marvellous no matter where you decide to put her on display. Apart from minor wear (consistent with age) this work of art is in excellent condition and ready for you to enjoy. The colors of the marble base combined with the patina of the sculptures is a match made in heaven and we expect this refined lady to find a new home soon. Especially when taken into account that perfect packing and worldwide delivery from our store to your door in just 4 days is free. Maximum height x width x depth: 11 x 16 x 4.3 inches. We have a passion for the unique, for quality, for stylish yet practical and for craftsmanship of years gone by. Your purchases will be extremely well packaged and we look forward to serving you (again). You can shop all our 1000+ listings by pushing the button that reads 'View All From Seller'. Keywords: 1920s sculpture, 1930s sculpture, French Art Deco, Interwar period Vintage Art Deco sculpture, Lady with dogs sculpture, Elegant woman statue, Borzoi dog sculpture, Greyhound figurine...

A wonderful period Tang Dynasty Pottery Figure of a Fat Lady. Tomb Pottery China Height: 15 Inches No TL Test A COA by Avantiques will accompany the sale of this item. Condition: Ve...

An unusual Japanese carved wood, lacquer, and gilt decorated portrait sculpture of a shogun, Edo Period, early 19th century, Japan. The unidentified shogun (possibly Tokugawa Iey...

This is a bisque porcelain piano baby girl figurine. She is seated crossing her legs with her arms up and wearing a delicate white chemise with ...

An art deco terracotta-painted plaster sculpture of a partly nude odalisque walking holding a tray, signed and dated "KA (19)15" by Swedish sculptor Knut Andersson (1884–1954). This ...

Dimensions: 7.5 x 12 x 18.5 cm Material: Pottery Name: Kitanoumi Period: Showa (1980s) Kitanoumi Toshimitsu (May 16, 1953 to November 20, 2015), born Toshimitsu Obata (Obata Toshi...

Elegant sculpture group in polychrome porcelain, blue and white, with gold finishes, representing a musician and a noblewoman intent on attending the concert. The musician, sitting o...

A spectacular sculpture made in black porcelain, inspired by the legendary gladiators of the Roman empire. This creation represents with amazing faithfulness and detail the figure...

Seldom seen Paper Mache , polychromed "NaNa" Sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle,,

Tang Dynasty painted terracotta fat lady tomb figure China. Tang Dynasty Circa 618-907 Modelled in the form of a classically dressed fat lady, this terraco...

Beautifully stylized figurine with a great balance of harmony stood, portraying the inner world's beauty through pure beauty. This Valuable unique art piece is a great chance to brin...

A charming pair of Gandharan molded stucco heads of donors, ancient region of Gandhara (modern day Pakistan / Afghanistan), probably Taxila, circa 3rd-5th century. The two heads most likely represent donors. Donors to temples would often have their images enshrined in the artworks of temple walls in thanks for their support. One head portrays a youthful figure with a plump, smiling face, and full head of hair arranged in fat curls and secured by a headband. The androgynous figure...

This antique figurine was made by the renowned Meissen factory of Germany is approximately 1850 in the period Dresden style. The figurine is done in early paste porcelain and depicts a cherub, or Cupid seated on a stump, holding an arrow with an outstretched hand, and cradling a flaming heart...

A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue - made by Hertwig & Endert in Germany, a well known manufacturer of this kind of figures. This character statue has been made in Germany, in the 1930s probably to 1940s. Absolutely gorgeous item with lots of character and still in great condition. Made of hand colored glazed earthenware. A nice addition to any Lawn, Yard, Garden or Patio, but can also be a nice addition to a room. A German garden gnome...

Stunning handcarved wooden head fragment with beautiful expression and glass eyes, Italy, circa 1750-1800. Beautiful example of 18th century craftsmanship. Weathered Measurement ...

For your consideration is this very charming Art Deco female spelter figure. The figure depicts a femal in a typical 1920's /30's fashion of the day holding two large feathers. The b...

In vogue pair of mid-century stylized palm tree sculptures crafted in cast fiberglass. Painted in an off white finish and presented in faux planters filled with seashells.

There are few accessories you can place in a room that immediately elevate the level of decor and easily synchronize, yet demand attention and Stand out. This Cartier style Italian h...

Rare Swedish porcelain cat from Guldkroken in Hjo. Vintage. White hand painted facial features & pink bows. Made in Sweden in the 70s. Original makers la...

Mid-20th century Torino ceramic semi-nude woman sculpture 'Portatrice Africana' by C.I.A. Manna By: C.I.A. Manna Material: ceramic, paint Technique: gilt, glazed, hand-crafted, molded, painted, pressed, unglazed Dimensions: 6 in x 22 in Date: mid-20th century Style: Mid-Century Modern, Space Age Place of origin: Italy This mid-20th century Italian ceramic sculpture titled 'Portatrice Africana' was handcrafted by C.I.A. Manna in Torino, Italy. Molded from ceramic clay and meticulously hand-painted, it depicts a semi-nude african woman carrying a large clay vessel...

This mid-century era molded fiberglass wall sculpture is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Canada in approximately 1960 in a Neoclassical Revival style. The relief depicts ...

The contemporary swimming pool table which also functions as a small contemporary styled side table. The inspiration for this collection comes fro...

Eugenio Patterino Italian Sculptures Chinoiserie Italian glazed Terracotta figurines Composed a Chinoiserie man and woman in a Chinese 1950s outfit Ma...

An impressive 20th Century Art Deco Style Clarte Lumina Standing Nude Sculpture and Table Lamp. Measures 20" in width, 12" in depth and stands 31.5 " in tall. Marble base is 12" in...

Mermaid in upright position with the upswept tail. Distressed painted finish. Circa 2010.

Finest Viennese Art Ceramic from the 1930s: Actress Lilian Harvey as a walking lady with a large hat, wearing a tight-fitting emerald green top with a bustier dotted black on light g...

Chinoiserie pagoda. Very decorative Italian painted plaster and wood three-tiered pagoda alla Mongiardino emanating from marine inspired grotto base with four masks issuing water in...

Born in 1992 in Macerata in the Marche region, the Italian artist carried out a path that between studies of Surveyor and Architecture led him to a long collaboration with a craft co...

A finely carved Chinese zitan wood figure of an unidentified bodhisattva, possibly Guanyin, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China. The androgynous figure has a plump, almost matronly face, with downcast eyes and a gentle smile. The hair in long tresses, gathered and tied in a high chignon. The enlightened being is portrayed seated in dhyanasana, bare feet resting on crossed legs, both soles pointing up. Thick robes billow and drape around the full figured body. The hands display...

This fabulous bronze peacock was made at Franz Bergman's Vienna foundry and bears the name of sculptor Bruno Zach. The highly detailed sculpture is beautifully cast and features cold painted polychrome decoration. The peacock's crested head is turned slightly to the left and its magnificent fanned tail feathers - also known as a train - are realistically rendered and arch forward as they rise. The train has splayed feathers at both ends that rest flat on the display surface, preventing instability. The feathers have been finished with white shafts and greenish-gold vanes while the ornamental black eyespots are accented with metallic rose and copper colored paint. It should be noted that the back of the bird's train is also highly detailed lending visual interest if viewed from the front or the rear. The peacock's head and body are painted in a silvery color while the painted decoration on the head includes large white masks and black eyes that are ringed in orange. The bird's angled beak is finished in yellow and has well defined upper and lower sections. The peacock's wings are positioned parallel to its body and extend back beyond the train. The outside of each wing is accented in mottled copper and black paint while the rear portions bear a series of painted copper and black stripes. The bird's thin legs are finished in gray and have black spurs at the back. Its long toes terminate in sharp black talons. The peacock is in very good condition with no replacements or repairs. As an antique, the piece shows signs of age including minor areas of paint loss that are noted for accuracy. It stands 8" at the tallest point of the train and is 11.5" as measured across the widest points of the train. The piece is 3.25" at its deepest point. The back of the train bears a partially legible Bergman amphora-shaped foundry mark with a B at the center. It is also signed 'Zach' in cast at the underside of one section of tail feathers for sculptor Bruno Zach who had a history of collaborating with Bergman to edit and cast some of his works. The peacock weighs 3lbs 2oz. This lovely antique Vienna Bronze peacock sculpture...

A very rare and whimsical pair of cold painted Vienna bronze Kewpies. We have sold many Vienna bronzes in our over 40 years of dealing in them, but we must say, these are very unusua...

Depiction of a seated, laughing female Buddha figure from a series of folk types. Full-figured body with the hair tied back tightly and the robe tightly fitting the body with wide sl...

A very fine French 19th century Louis XV style gilt bronze and white marble figural mantel clock. The finely chased ormolu body, with its original two-tone mercury gilt, centered with a circular enameled porcelain clock face with Roman and Arabic numeral dials and inscribed 'A. Thomas - Fabt de Bronze - 56, Rue de Turenne - Paris', surmounted with a pair of playful seated cherubs amidst clouds and wreaths, the case crowned with a figure of a Gallic Rooster (Coq Gaulois...

1920s Steelcraft "inter-city-bus" antique pressed steel truck, wonderful original condition, color surface, patina.

This is a very charming pair of porcelain figures of a stag and a doe, probably cast by Derby in about 1760 and decorated by Bloor Derby in 1820. The figures are a simple white porce...

Unique panel depicting a Saint figure and Angels. Wonderful layers of its original color, France, circa 1650-1750 . Weathered, small losses. Treated against woodworm. Measurements in...

Beautifully stylized a footballer man figurine with a great balance of harmony stood, portrays the beauty of the inner world through pure beauty. Thi...

Rare Hi-Lo Collapsible modernist streamline bicycle by Cleveland Company,, M D T,, Amazing design and condition, bike comes apart for easy compact transport and storage, Retains all ...

A rare Minton Art Deco porcelain figurine titled Pierette designed by Fred Cooke and dating from around 1930. This delightful standing figurine stands moun...

Italian glazed and hand-painted terracotta figural bust of Diana raised on a two tiered circular faux painted plinth. Goddess of the moon, Mid-19th Century.

Pair of 18th century Italian gold-leaf fragment horse head sculptures. The pair is made of 18th century Italian water-gilt fragments mounted on scroll wood bases. The fragments come...

Very nice saint figure. Hand carved wood with glass eyes Italy, circa 1800-1850. Weathered, small losses.

An impressive, extravagant work of art in ideas, richness of detail and craftsmanship, based on a legend according to which the court tailor longed to be allowed to sit at the table ...

This mid-century era molded fiberglass wall sculpture is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Canada in approximately 1960 in a Neoclassical Revival style. The relief depicts ...

An erotic Austrian cold painted bronze figure of an Egyptian sarcophagus opening to reveal a naked beauty with excellent colour and very fine hand finished detail, signed with the Be...