Bronze Sculptures

Sculpture Gorilla Kong all in solid bronze. Limited edition of 8 pieces, numerated 8/8. By Richard Orlinski. Exceptional piece.

19th century French head of Medusa in bronze plaque. The head shown is deep relief surrounded by a sunburst corolla of hair with two serpents emerging from the forehead and well as t...

"Jeune Femme a la Fleur" - French Art Nouveau Bronze Maiden on Marble Base, circa 1890 - 1905. A wonderful late 19th-century French bronze of a young maiden lifting a flower delicate...

Jules Alfred Alexandre Dercheu (1864-1912), Daphné followed by Apollo. Bronze statuette with yellow, brown and gold patina, signed to the base, mounted on a round plinth of sea-gree...

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...

Fabulous Hugo Frantisek Salm bronze sculpture of a knight dated 1844 Salm. The last photo shows the identical bronze on display in a museum in Prague, Czech Republic. The quality and...

Exquisite modernist bronze Greek "Achilles" bronze sculpture dating from the 1950's. Made in Italy and has wonderful patina. Great design and form. No signatures or maker marks. Attributed to Francesco...

A distinctive cast bronze hermit crab sculpture, merging organic coastal inspiration with sculptural artistry. The piece captures the asymmetrical beauty of a hermit crab inhabiting ...

One of a kind bronze sculpture on rough wood base. Created in the style of Constantin Brancusi, this extra heavy piece is ultra-striking. Constantin Brancusi (1876–1957) fundamental...

This beautiful intertwined abstract figure bronze sculpture on a white marble base is very sensual and has an amazing and different presence from every angle. The bodies are intertwi...

A bronze vintage statuette depicting a Chinese ancestral figure standing on a giant fish. Discover a magnificent fusion of artistry and heritage with...

Very rare, possible the only complete set in existence, all 12 Astrological sign cast bronze brutalist sculptures by Fred Press. Each zodiac sign represented, beautiful age and patin...

Very large Grand Tour verdigris patinated bronze statue of the seated Greek Olympian god of travelers, commerce, thieves, and language, Hermes (aka Mercury in Roman mythology), datin...

This very sexy nude was sculpted by the noted and respected French artist Paul Philippe (1870-1930). Known for his artistic portrayal of women, of the period, in bronze. This you...

Polished bronze hand cast miniature penguin sculpture by artist Javier de la Rosa. Javier De la Rosa has created a series of bronze cast miniature sculptures that celebrate animals ...

THE DANCING FAUN OF POMPEII After the model of Antiquity Grand Tour, Italy cast ca. 1880 With a fine verdigris patination and "ancient" surface treatment...

Impressive Late 19th Century Bronze of Mercury on a carved stone plinth An exceptional grand tour bronze figure of Mercury, masterfully captured in a dynamic, mid motion pose and rai...

In an era when artists were capturing the exoticism and athleticism of modern dancers, such as Richmond Barthé's depiction of Féral Benga dancing with a large, curved sword or Paul Colin's drawings of Josephine Baker with her skirt of bananas, this sensuous presentation of a nude male dancer with a long spear stands out. The bronze was sculpted in 1926 by Brenda Putnam, who is best known for a series of bronzes showing children at play, often placed in gardens and parks. However, Putnam was ambitious to do more, leaving academic sculpture behind as she collaborated with architect Paul Philippe Cret to create the Puck Fountain for the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., executed a number of portraits in bronze, exhibited at the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, and created "The Crest" -- consisting of a a large male nude swimming...

Vintage 1984 Erte (Romain De Tirtoff) "Lady Justice" Limited (Number 9 of 500) Bronze Goddess Sculpture. Stamped and signed as pictured. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 19.5" ...

This is a charming small bronze sculpture of a bathing cat. We are attributing the bronze to a French origin. The bottom of the bronze has been covered in felt to protect from scratc...

Signed Loet Vanderveen Bronze Antelope Sculpture, Vintage. ***NOTE: Our 1stDibs store is closing soon and items will not be available thereafter.*** This mid-century modern Bushbuc...

Vintage Greek Classical Style Patinated Cast Bronze Bust Sculpture of Homer. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 17" H x 8" W x 8" D.

Grand Tour bronze depicting the Spinario By M. Amodio, Naples (active circa 1850-1890), 19th century Large, finely chased and patinated bronze sculpture representing the classic sub...

This intense abstract bronze sculpture was created by the Italian artist Eli Riva in the Late 20th Century. The artwork is a multiple numbered and signed of 5...

An antique refined bronze sculpture of boy playing with a hoop and a stick go with a Whippet/Greyhound dog. It has the original patina, signed on the base: Jules Moigniez. Made in Fr...

Loet Vanderveen was born in Holland and worked in fashion and later living in New York, London ,Zurich worked in the Zoo sculptures using great patinas. This orangutan is signed and ...

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

PIERRE-JULES MÊNE French, 1810-1879 "Chien Limier" (1869) Patinated bronze signed in cast "P.J. MÊNE" almost certainly cast in Mêne's personal atelier circa 1875 Item # 309MWP02...

Patinated bronze sculpture representing Joan of Arc in armor, brandishing her sword Sculpture signed Contenot on the base (Henri Daniel) Joan is a young French woman of peasant...

Green patinated bronze of a standing nude woman by Lucien Gibert Lucien Gibert (1904-1988) was a French sculptor. He began his artistic training in his father's cabinetmaking worksh...

Beautiful Celtic bronze torc neck ring with curled and wrapped terminals, displayed on velvet torso stand. Dating between the 3rd and 1st centuries BCE from Eastern Europe, this beau...

20th Century bronze sculpture created and signed by the artist Bruno Giorgi (1905-1993). Sculpture is detachable from granite base.

This vintage bronze parrot sculpture captures the commanding presence and intelligence of one of nature’s most recognizable birds. Perched atop a naturalistic tree branch, the bird i...

A striking bust inspired by the classical figure of Aphrodite, signed by the French sculptor Le Cann. The sculpture depicts a serene female profile and the surface displays a rich de...

Sculpture happy bronze all in green solid bronze.

American Empire style (19th Cent) bronze figure of eagle perched on crossed arrow base (signed)

An early 'Bibendum Protégé' Car mascot - Hood Ornament, French, circa 1910, Nickel-plated bronze figure of a 'slim' Mr. Bibendum, mounted on wooden black base. Perfect for any Classi...

The famed Italian sculptor Ferdinando de Luca created this incredible cast bronze likeness of a girl in the 20th century. Its stylized Art Nouveau aesthetic has a vibrancy which perf...

Jean Jacques Pradier (1790-1852) Bronze Napoleon Bonaparte James Pradier (born Jean-Jacques Pradier, 1790–1852) was a Genevan-born French sculptor best known for his work in the neoclassical style, one of the primary artists of Napoleon's tomb, Les Invalides.  This exceptional 19th-century French bronze full-length portrait of a standing Napoleon Bonaparte bronze...

“Charles Stewart Rolls” Bronze Sculpture by Lorenzini, circa 1907 An exceptional early 20th century bronze sculpture depicting pioneering motorist Charles Stewart Rolls at the wheel...

• Creator: Eugène Lelièvre (French Sculptor, active c. 1890–1910). • Manufacturer: Susse Frères Fondeurs, Paris (Foundry mark present). • Style: Art Nouveau. • Materials: Gilt Bronze...

apanese bronze tiger from the Meiji period, featuring a warm brown-red patina. The piece is crafted to a high standard, modelled with realistic proportions in a dynamic forward-movin...

Small desk og mantle bronze depicting a young wild boar standing on a log. Fine detailing and a rich golden patina. Signed/marked France to its base. Where it was made circa 1920-25....

Mounted Sculpture Bust in Bronze on Base Bibelot Decorative Object Center piece. Excellent color and details decorative hand finished On a Desk as garniture on a mantle fireplace, on...

Art Deco Bronze Female Nude Sculpture – Alexandre Caron, 1920 An elegant and refined Art Deco bronze sculpture depicting a female nude, created by the French sculptor Alexandre Augus...

Patinated bronze modernist sculpture of female on granite base. Signed. Artist unknown.

The statue is made of bronze, with a dark and glossy finish. The mouflon is depicted in a standing pose, with all four legs positioned on a base that resembles a rocky surface. The b...

ISIDORE JULES BONHEUR French, 1827-1901 Taureau Aberdeen-Angus" (Standing Aberdeen-Angus Bull) Patinated sand-cast bronze Signed to base "I. BONHEUR" Item # 211HDB17Z An exquisite and very rare casting of an Aberdeen-Angus bull, an unusual and distinctive breed of cattle from Scotland, this sculpture by Isidore Jules Bonheur is almost without a doubt cast by the foundry of his brother-in-law Hippolyte Peyrol and a rather early model as well in light of the distinctive construction method. In her text on the selection of 46 animal bronzes in the collection of the Georgia Museum of Art, Eleanor Luciano notes regarding this model that "Bonheur is never recorded to have been to Scotland, where he would have seen this unusual breed. Rosa Bonheur painted in Scotland, and its seems likely that Isidore would have drawn the idea for this bull either from one of her sketches or from an agricultural show in France. The animal's rich mane and strong modeling make this one of the most successful." Notable is the very fine surface patination which exhibits a glassy finish with a complex range of colors presenting in the body of the bull, overall being medium brown but augmented with an underlying reddish hue against auburn highlights. The base is signed "I. BONHEUR" in the typical manner. Museum Collections: * National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, acc. no. 2006.128.3 * Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia...

Jules Moigniez - Bronze Hunting Dog France Bronze Late 19th century Dimensions: H × W × D: 19 × 32 × 14 cm Description: Finely crafted bronze hunting scene by Jules Moigniez (183...

Finely cast Asian bronze walking horse animal statue. Age: Contemporary Size: Height 28.8 C.M. / Width 8.7 C.M. / Length 28.4 C.M. Condition: Nice condition overall.

Classic 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture showcase...

Classic 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture showcase...

Classic 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture showcase...

Classic 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture showcase...

Classic 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture showcase...

Classic 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture showcase...

Classic 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture showcase...

Classic 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture showcase...

A Bronze sculpture by the celebrated multi-disciplinary Mid Century Swedish artist. Exhibiting three figures, one female and two male, seate...

Classic 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture showcase...