Bronze Sculptures

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...

Offered is a Mid-Century Modern Greek patinated sculpture. This Etruscan Greek Statue is an iconic Mid-Century Modern item of decor. It would look fabulous on a console table, in a b...

Antique Continental Bronze Napoleon Style Toothpick Holder Continental Bronze Late 19th Century Dimensions: H x D: 15 x 7cm Toothpick holders ros...

Bronze sculpture titled Sustraiak, created by renowned Basque artist Paulino Larrañaga in 2001, signed and numbered 13 of a limited edition of 50 pieces. Originating from the Basque ...

Art Deco Bronze Panther by Rochard, A striking French Art Deco bronze sculpture of a prowling panther by renowned artist Irénée Rochard (1906–1984), dating to the 1920s. Cast in br...

ANTOINE-LOUIS BARYE France, 1796-1875 Tigre Qui Marche Sand-cast bronze with medium-brown, black and coppery patination signed "BARYE" with gently raised edges, incised "F. BARBED...

Nineteenth century bronze of the Borghese Gladiator, Italian or French, mounted on a richly figured Convent Sienna marble base.

A solid abstract bronze sculpture on marble base by Eli Karpel. An amorphous biomorphic shape that seams to transform as you c...

This is an absolutely stunning pair of enormous life-size bronze stags, dating from the last quarter of the 20th century. They stand listening carefully with perked up ears and impo...

Art Deco cast bronze sculpture of a lady. Attributed to Guido Cacciapuoti (Italian 1892-1953). Featuring a stylised striking representation of an elegant yet mysterious lady. Dual to...

Outlaw, a cast bronze sculpture after American artist Frederic Remington's 1906 original, on marble base. Filled with a tremendous dramatic tension, this bronze sculpture depicts a s...

Bronze sculpture by Dutch sculptor Rob Cerneüs (1943-2021) Figurine depicting a woman with flowing garments. Signature on base.

A heavy and well cast South Indian bronze figure of Shiva Nataraja, or Shiva as Lord of the Dance, in the Chola style, late 19th or early 20th century, India. Shiva is portrayed here in his form as Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance. An iconic and powerful image, Shiva is portrayed engaged in his dance of creation, protection, and destruction, bringing together all his aspects into one sublime form. Shiva dances ecstatically, facing the viewer with his body twisted, his long locks of hair streaming out around him, his four arms in action, with one leg raised, the other stomping on the dwarf demon Apasmara, who represents spiritual ignorance. In one hand he holds a damaru, or ritual drum...

Sculpture Guepard in solid bronze in black and silvered bronze finish, exceptional piece in limited Edition 1990. Real size, made by J.Carrera.

Vienna Cold Painted Bronze Ten Piece Devil Orchestra, Attributed Franz Bergman Austria, circa 1925, attributed to Franz Bergman, unmarked Embark on a whimsical journey with this rare and delightful Vienna Cold Painted Bronze Ten Piece Devil Orchestra, made circa 1925 and attributed to the renowned Franz Bergman, though unmarked. This charming ensemble features ten individually cast and hand-painted bronze figures, each devil bearing its own instrument and unique action. From the authoritative Conductor Devil to the playful Flute Devil, every character in this orchestra exudes personality and mischief. The ensemble includes the Piano Devil, Cello Devil, Drum Devil, Heraldic Trumpet...

Elegant bronze sculpture depicting a roaring tiger, finely cast with detailed musculature, expressive head and naturalistic fur texture. The animal stands in a dynamic pose on a rect...

"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...

A charming late 19-century bronze sculpture of a reclining bear, playfully posed on its back with one paw raised. This delightful small-scale animalier piece captures both the charac...

Bronze sculpture of a nude woman, signed Cipriani, early 20th century. Sculpture signed Cipriani in patinated bronze in the Art Deco style, marble base, representing a nude woman, 1...

A vintage Greco-Roman style bronze nude statue from the 20th century with verde patina and wooden pedestal base. Created with the traditional technique o...

Small unusual object in cast bronze. Freeform, Infinity symbolism and barbwire all in one unique piece. Its signed by an unknown Scandinavia Sculptor an...

Finely Cast Bronze Abraham Lincoln Profile Bust Bookend or Doorstop, in the Style of Victor David Brenner, ca. 1930s Bronze Lincoln Bookend or Doorst...

Late 20th Century bronze life size Greyhound Dog Statue with a beautiful green patina. This is an elegant bronze greyhound statue in very good condition. The greyhound would look gre...

The Walking Panther statue is a bronze sculpture in the style of Rembrandt Bugatti. This panther statue captures the fluid motion and latent power of the big cat, with a striking tur...

Walter Bosse (1904-1979), Austria. Three miniature bronze figurines. Ladybug, apple, and bumblebee. 1930s/40s. In excellent condition with a beautiful patina. Dimensions of the bumbl...

Lovely Bronze Sculpture of a Polo Player This Bronze Captures the Movement Perfectly Bronze Sat on Marble Base

Mid-Century Modern stock market bookends brass bull & bear on marble base. These iconic symbols of wall street are presented majestically on marble bases that add a solid (literally)...

A large and impressive French 19th century life-size bust depicting Othello, the North African Moor of Venice character in the 1603 play written by William Shakespeare (1564-1616), a...

Abstract realism bronze sculpture by Canadian artist Frank De La Roche. Striking from any angle. Base is black granite.

A vintage mid century bronze greyhound statue. Great mid century stylized design, dark coloring to the bronze.

A beautiful patinated Art Nouveau bronze study of a young Art Nouveau beauty sat upon a wall wearing chains with excellent variegated rich brown patina and excellent hand chased surf...

Classic mid-century 1950s Vienna bronze figurine by Walter Bosse. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.

French School Patinated Bronze Sculpture of a Recumbent Hunting Dog French School, 20th Century A beautifully cast 20th-century French School bronze sculpture of a resting hunting dog, exhibiting remarkable realism and expert artistry. This work is finely cast in bronze with a rich brown patina, emphasizing the lifelike musculature, gentle expression, and elegant posture of the dog. This striking sculpture measures 10 inches high, 23 inches wide, and 8.5 inches deep, making it a substantial yet graceful presence in any collection or display setting. The artist has captured the natural repose of a loyal hunting companion, with detailed attention to the anatomy, coat texture, and alert yet relaxed demeanor. A superb addition to any classical, sporting, or fine art collection, this bronze is ideal for dog lovers, collectors of French animalier sculpture...

A turn of the 20th century Emmanuel Villanis styled Virgin Mary bust sculpture exudes the ethereal grace reminiscent of the virgin saint in an Art Nou...

Large Bronze Statue 3 Horse Rider Hunt Scene after Evgeni Alexandrovich Lanceray. Item features a large impressive size, marked to base, believed to be a 20th Century reproduction of...

Small bronze sculpture of a greyhound with a green patina. The dog is depicted in a calm, attentive pose, with finely rendered, anatomical detail. Signed Fratin on the base. A charac...

ANTOINE-LOUIS BARYE French, 1795-1875 "Tigre Qui Marche" Patinated bronze Signed in base "BARYE", incised "F. BARBEDIENNE FONDEUR, FRANCE" conceived 1841, cast circa 1880-1900 Item # 110UGP10Q Barye's ability to merge our romantic idealization of nature with a colder reality of nature's predator is beautifully represented in this striding cat. Originally conceived in 1841, Tigre Qui Marche (Walking Tiger...

An excellent mid 20th Century limited edition bronze figure of the Venus de Milo incorporating multiple drawer compartments to her head, breasts, torso and left leg to symbolise the ...

Although America's sculptors interested in African American life and Black subjects, including Elizabeth Catlett, Richmond Barthé, Sargent Johnson and ...

Bronze sculpture of a nude swimmer in motion, mounted on a granite base, by Wayne Current, from a limited edition of 30, circa late 20th century.

James Lacasse (American, born 1948). Bronze kinetic sculpture, titled "Compassion". by American artist James LaCasse. This particular sculpture is signed, titled, dated '09, and num...

A pair of outstanding giraffe sculptures . The item will be well-suited to either an indoor or outdoor setting.

An Italian Bronze and Ormolu Bacchic Figure, 19th Century Description: The ivy wreathed and bearded figure in languid contrapposto, leaning against a tree stump entwined in creeping...

William Bowie was a prominent sculptor of the American Mid-Century Modern period. A contemporary of Harry Bertoia, Curtis Jere and Bruce Freidle, Bowie is considered a founding figur...

A truly spectacular and incredibly rare pair of sculptures by legendary designer Gabriella Crespi, modeled as mythical dolphins, 'Coppia di Delfini', each one hand crafted from Sarda...

ANTOINE-LOUIS BARYE French, 1796-1875 Panther of Tunisia [smaller version] Sand-cast patinated bronze Signed in cast BARYE Cast executed last quarter of the 19th century 3 1/2" H ...

Belle Époque french bronze sculpture of a boy with overall and a hat by Louis Kley By: Louis Kley Material: bronze, copper, metal Technique: cast, patinated, molded, metalwork Dimen...

This large and impressive bronze nude is high style art deco. This is not your typical fare. Her pose suggests great vibrancy and sexuality. While unsigned we know it was done by Mar...

French Art Deco bronze rabbit sculpture by Edouard Marcel SANDOZ, Paris, Susse Freres Foundry, France, 1920-1928. Rabbit, head turned. Just 7 copies edited. Rare. Bronze with dark gr...

An eagle lectern is a lectern in the shape of an eagle on whose outstretched wings the Bible or other texts rest. They are common in Christian churches and may be in stone, wood or m...

Bronze sculpture of the god Mercury Representation of the god Mercury standing on Aeolus, the god of the wind (after Gianbologna) Origin France Circa 1900 Base of green Alpine marble...

A unique, bronze sculpture of a man with outstretched hand, with timeless, Prehistoric feel by Anne Van Kleeck. From the artist's estate. A note about the artist: Anne Van Kleeck was primarily known for her works in cast bronze and ceramics. She attended Ohio Wesleyan University (B.A.) and Ohio State University (M.A.) and spent several years as a professor of art in Ohio and Florida. In 1957, Anne traveled to Venice, Italy to study bronze and lost wax casting, beaten iron and mosaic techniques. During that stay she employed an Italian foundry expert and together they established a small foundry on the island of Murano where they cast bronzes for her one woman show in Venice. Van Kleecks work has won multiple awards and is owned worldwide by private collectors and museums, including the Metropolitan Museum and MOMA in New York. She was contemporaries of and exhibited with Ruth Asawa, Gary Knox Bennett...

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Elegant Art Deco sculpture of an athletic scouting / watching male figure by Jean de Roncourt from France around 1930. Very good original condition, greenish patinated Spelter / Zinc...

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United States, 20th Century Depicts a bucking horse with a flowing mane and tail-mounted on a round green marble base.  

This handsome sculpture was realized in Russia in the 20th century. Created in blackened bronze, it features a male nude figure in the process of forging a sword. He is portrayed mid swing as he strikes the sword with a Hammer. His body torqued all of his muscles appear flexed. The male figure- with his chiseled physique- appears as the paradigm of male beauty- a true adonis. This sculpture offers a timeless motif- employed from Greek antiquity...

More information coming soon… Dating to circa 1965, this gilt bronze wild boar head is well-detailed. The wall-mounted French sculpture could also be used as a base for a desk lamp.

Large French Art Deco Dragon Wall Light, France, 1920s. A striking French Art Deco wall light featuring a bronze dragon design with elegant alabaster detailing, crafted in France. Th...

Sculpture Soaring Bronze all in solid bronze in green finish. on metal base. Base dimensions: L21xD21xH1cm. With optional high metal base available on request, with up-charge for s...