French Sculptures

A stunning and extremely high quality French mid 19th century Alabaster statue of Cupid and Psyche. The statue after a model by Antonio Canova is raised by a wonderfully executed gro...

A 19th century French cast bronze statue of a Catholic priest. Fine casting with beautiful patina. Signed on base: Gaul Weight: 22 Lbs Dimensions: 20"H x 8"W x 7"D Base: 5.5" x 4.75"...

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...

French Royal painted silk textile portrait, Marie Thérèse of France, Madame D' Angoulême, Eldest daughter of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette and o...

A small Grand Tour sculpture in Bronze of the ‘Wounded Amazone’, with a stamp of Fumière et Cie, circa 1880.

One of the most celebrated figural sculptures of the 20th century, and one of the finest depictions of the male figure from the 1920s and 30s, this extremely rare bronze by Cecil de Blaquiere Howard depicts two boxers, one triumphant and one defeated, in the heat of the match. Each of the two nudes is beautifully captured in a scene that is compact and complex, with the standing figure stepping over and around the fallen figure below. The sculpture is depicting a dramatic moment in the boxing ring, but it is also presenting two male figures at their peak of physical perfection. Howard was born in Canada, brought up in America, and trained under sculptors such as James Fraser...

Pair of bronze sculptures of cats from the Art Deco period in France. Each showcases Egyptian stylization which was popular during the Art Deco period. They showcase the original pat...

Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Modeled as a satyr, incised CLODION...

Terracotta sculptures, Art Nouveau period, 1900. Terracotta sculpture of a woman's face, Art Nouveau period, 1900, unsigned. H: 59cm, W: 42cm, D: 28cm

Metal Art of a Tank c1970 Introducing a stunning piece of artisan craftsmanship that transcends mere decoration: a handmade scrap metal tank from the 1970s, skill-fully assembled fro...

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and very rare early 19th century solid bronze with marble base Grand Tour model of the Arc De Triomph by the world renown French company of LeBlanc Freres...

A striking French 19th century white Carrara marble statue of Napoleon. The statue is raised by a fine circular ground designed base where Napoleon is standing. He is dressed in his ...

18th Century Hand Carved Stone Column Base Sculpture Doorstop Decorative Element .Nicely Hand Carved 18th Century Stone base pedestal door stopper,...

A French zinc pinecone fragment from the early 20th century, with acanthus leaves and tall circular base. Created in France during the turn of the century, this zinc fragment depicts...

A magnificent 19th century French Louis XVI style gilt and patinated bronze clock depicting mother and child, by Raingo Frères, Paris. The dial marked: Raingo Fres, A Paris. Circa ...

A fine quality and delightfully heavy sculpted iron motoring trophy car. Automobile depicted is circa 1920s. Collectible and Commemorative of the ‘Rally U.C.O.L. Challenge - Driver...

A Gogotte Formation - Running Fontainbleau, France Oligocene Period Light Weathering Measurement Inc Stand. Gogottes are beautiful and beguiling mineral formations. They are rare ...

A Gogotte Formation Of natural form, dating from the Oligocene period (30 Million years ago). Beguiling natural mineral formation, they are the result of calcium carbonate binding w...

Pair of Bookends Car Mascots "Tete de Beliers" made in frosted glass by René Lalique in 1928. Originally mounted on a black opaline glass base. Molded signature on each head and stam...

Very large female figure executed in grogged clay and decorated with slips. Albert Thiry and his wife Pyot founded their workshop in Vallauris in 1961. Their creation is distinguish...

Dancer by Demétre Chiparus 1886 - 1947 Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: 52 cms. alt. total and 17 cms. diam. base Good condition. Demétre Haralamb Chiparus was a Romanian Art Deco era sculptor who lived and worked in Paris, France. He was one of the most important sculptors of the Art Deco era. Sculptures of Chiparus represent the classical manifestation of Art Deco style in decorative bronze and ivory sculpture...

Beautiful old plaster statue, in the neoclassical spirit, representing young Bacchus. France, National Museums molding workshop, circa 1930.

A very elegant and original 1930s Art Deco figurine of a lady in cold painted Spelter. She stands on an alabaster base which is circular and stepped. Wearing fashion of the day (1930s) body stocking...

Arts deco neoclassic Plautilla alabaster bust, circa 1930 white alabaster marble Handcrafted in the neoclassic style Very good condition For shipping: H 29 x W 13.5 x D 11.5 2....

This is a period casting of a young woman, in windswept gown and with arm uplifted while standing on a celestial globe cast with the zodiac. In the Art Nouveau taste, she is allegori...

A French Art Deco aluminum lion sculpture. Plating in different finishes upon request. We are the rare source that has specialized in French Art Deco fo...

An exquisite terracotta statuette of a beautiful nude young woman with a serene countenance, her arms stretched up to fan her cascading hair. The setting in which she stands is embel...

A 19th century plaster head of a woman wearing a bonnet with original worn paint.

Depicting the armored and mounted Joan rising over a fallen soldier and horse. Signed 'Th. Gechter'.

Statue in the taste of the artist Modigliani, XXth Century. Terracotta sculpture of a woman's head in the style of the artist Modigliani, 20th century.     h: 57cm , w: 14cm, d: 16cm

Very large white biscuit signed on the base "Lecorney" and debossed "EB Paris", depicting an elegant figure in the round of a young woman draped in the antique style, collecting wate...

An exquisite duck figurine in sparkling Baccarat crystal, etched with their trademark seal on its base, along with 'La Tour d'Argent, Paris'. This model of duck was created exclusive...

French modern white ceramic greyhound dog sculpture by Roche Bobois, 1980s Sculpture representing a greyhound dog in white ceramic with glossy finish. The dog appears seated, with a ...

A fine French 19th century terracotta bust of "Madame Récamier (French, 1777-1849)" The coyly gazing downward beauty, holding a veil across her chest r...

A fine French early 20th century Art Deco white marble figure of a kneeling nude beauty, attributed to Affortunato Gory (Gori) (Italian, 1895-1925). The kneeling nude figure of a you...

The iconic bronze Evase vase from the Rick Owens bronze relic collection. This is shown in the black patina. Each bronze is hand crafted in France and is signed. Can be used as vas...

Religious sculpture in plaster, 20th century. 20th century religious sculpture in painted plaster. H: 45cm, W: 32cm, D: 16cm

“Jungle rooster” - created in 1936 Proof in satin-finish and glossy pressed white glass Signed on the terrace. Height: 41 cm - Terrace: 31.5 x 7.5 cm Bibliography Félix Marcilhac, ...

Lady and the Bee From our Bronze Sculpture collection, we are delighted to offer this beautiful French Bronze Sculpture by Eutrope Bouret. The Sculpture modelled in bronze with a su...

Cat and its baby sculpture in white enameled and crackled ceramic, representing a mother cat protecting its baby signed at the bottom " Le Dauphin". A beautiful sculpture and is sure...

Decorate an office"s shelf or a study with this elegant antique carved Imperial eagle. Crafted in France circa 1830, and almost three and a half feet wide, the wooden eagle has a com...

A captivating limited edition Art Deco bronze figure of an elegant beauty wearing a full length gown with a dramatic black and gold shawl draped across her arms with a large decorati...

A fine antique white marble sculpture of madame Recamier after the famous sculpture by Joseph Chinard (1756-1813). Chinard was a Frenc...

An exquisite bisque porcelain figure of Venus and Cupid from the mid nineteenth century, French, with incised crossed swords mark and another device etched on the base. Photos don't ...

Stunning French Art Deco bronze patina spelter figure with a decorative motif design sitting on a beautiful carved marble pediment, signed by the renowned listed French artist Charles Henri Molins...

Seal Stamp "Papillon Ailes Fermees" made in frosted glass with sepia patina by René Lalique in 1919. Engraved signature. Perfect condition Measure : H...

"Byzantine" sculpture by Erté made with cold-painted bronze depicting a byzantine lady with traditional clothing/accessories. Signed and dated (1987)...

A scarce set of eight Porte Couteau, or knife rests, each signed HB Quimper, Grande Maison, de la Hubaudière or the HB factory. “H” for Hubaudière, the f...

Art Deco bronze sculpture of a nude in split pose with arm outstretched holding a scarf behind her on a marble base. Beautiful multi-color patina. Signed in the bronze F. Trinque, ci...

Large, rare and affecting, this sensual bronze by Jean-Marie Camus depicts a nude satyr figure seducing a nude female figure laying prostrate before him, beguiled by the music from h...

Superb movement for this bronze sculpture by J Duval Brasseur. The elegant curved lines and the shape of the base give a strong feeling of this flying eagle. Very unique piece by th...

H.R. DE VAINS French, 1848 - 1886 Jockey on a Race Horse Patinated bronze signed in base "HR de VAINS" original foundry label to the underside for Auguste Gouge Item # 306CPA15Q...

A Lucite clock sculpture displaying a clock face and pieces in the manner of French artist Arman. Please note this is not a functioning clock.

Bronze with patina, signed Hip Moreau and on the base 'Societe des Bronzes de Paris", circa 1895. One of the most beautiful sculptures by Hippolyte Moreau f...

Beautifully executed French Art Deco bronze sculpture of an athlete on a black marble base, circa 1930. This Art Deco bronze is signed (...

Bronze sculpture of a Gaulish chief, signed FREMIET. Bronze sculpture signed FREMIET, representing a Gaulish chief, 19th century, Napoleon III period. H: 37cm, W: 26cm, D: 8,5cm

Vintage crystal sculpture of an abstract sailboat by Daum, France c. 1970's. The piece is in great condition with no chips or cracks. Signed "Daum, France" on the base. Dimensions: 2...

Art Nouveau 'Plaster' Detailed and Stylized Image of a Women's Buste Beautifully Detailed 1935, France Signed: Depose C.G.390 The Buste is in good condition with a nice age pati...