15th Century and Earlier Sculptures

Prehistoric Brazilian thick agate geode on stand. Center hole reveals beautiful natural silver crystals. Stand measures 6" x 4". One of several from a large collection of agate geo...

Found in 2002 at Franconia in Mojave, Arizona, this H5 chondrite meteorite can be found strewn amongst many other varieties of metorite in what has been coined a Dense Collection Are...

This genuine Burmese amber specimen dates back approximately 99 million years. Pieces like these are sometimes called a menagerie and this one contains s...

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this sculpture of the Infant Jesus as Salvator Mundi, an exceptional piece originating from the renowned School of Mechelen of the 15th-16t...

TSAVORITE GARNET Merelani Hills, Lelatema Mountains, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Tanzania 2.55 cm tall x 3.2 cm wide A variety of grossular g...

A striking polished labradorite freeform sourced from Madagascar, naturally formed over thousands of years. Characterised by its iridescent colours, principally blue, this high grade...

This large 5" high megalodon tooth is five to ten million years old from South Carolina, USA. The megalodon was the most massive predatory shark to ever live. Reaching lengths of 70 ...

A really nice polished petrified wood sculpture, circa pre-history. Brightly colored tan, brown and cream tones with naturally formed patterns caused by fossilization over millions ...

A medieval English alabaster statue, possibly dating as far back as the late 14th / early 15th century, mounted on one of our exclusive large display plinths. Well weathered over the centuries, this 600-year-old statue depicts a medieval cloaked figure, possibly a monk, offering a glimpse into English architecture and sculpture of the Middle Ages. This sculpture is possibly made from Nottingham alabaster. During the 14th and 15th centuries, Nottingham was the centre of alabaster carving and painting. Alabaster works were mostly made as small alabaster models with religious themes. During the 16th century Reformation, many alabaster carvings were destroyed under King Henry VIII's rule, making any surviving examples even more significant. Provenance From the collection of Peter Hone (b. 1941). A master plaster caster, he is an expert and experienced collector, building up an extraordinary, museum-worthy collection of items in his one-bedroom flat in London W11...

This meteorite was acquired from the Bethany Sciences collection and was once a part of the private collection of Meteorite Man Robert A. Haag. It includes an informational Certifica...

VANADINITE ON BARITE Mibladen, Aït Oufella Caïdat, Midelt Cercle, Midelt Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco 12.7 cm tall x 14 cm wide The Drâa-Tafilalet Region of Morocco, best...

LIDDICOATITE TOURMALINE WITH QUARTZ Anjanbonoina, Antananarivo Prov., Madagascar 7.1 cm tall x 6.8 cm wide Liddicoatite is an uncommon form of tourmaline. It was first discovered in ...

A superb naturally occurring tropaeum ammonite fossil mounted on one of our exclusive large display plinths originating from Whale Chine, Chale Bay, Isle of Wight. Dating from the e...

St. Jerome the Penitent, high relief in lacquered wood, Lombard sculpture from the late 15th century/early 16th century, maximum dimensions 76x60 cm, maximum thickness about 19 cm.

The Brenham meteorite is a pallasite meteorite found in Kansas in 1882. It is one of only a few pallasite meteorites, a type of meteorite with beautiful green and orange olivine crys...

Baltic Region Amber is fossilized tree resin, which has been appreciated for its color and natural beauty since Neolithic times. This is an unusually large specimen of butterscotch ...

The Campo del Cielo iron meteorites were discovered in 1576 about 500 miles northwest of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Testing proved the "rocks" to be meteorites. It is estimated that t...

Carcharodontosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth in a glass display box From Tegana Formation, North Africa. Cretaceous Age 65 million years Carcharodontosaurus is one of the longest and heavi...

Magnificent Aztec Basalt Eagle head, with powerful hooked beak, piercing eyes, and a fully-feathered head. The sculptor Highlighted the power of the head by finely burnishing the b...

A large and impressive Indian carved sandstone architectural frieze featuring a central image of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi flanked by two atten...

The Seymchan meteorite is a pallasite meteorite found in Russia in the settlement of Seymchan. Discovered in 1967, it is one of only a few pallasite meteorites - a type of meteorite ...

Carcharodontosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth in a glass display box From Tegana Formation, North Africa. Cretaceous Age 65 million years Carcharodontosaurus is one of the longest and heavi...

This huge, Museum-quality Spinosaur tooth is completely in tact with no repairs. This incredible specimen includes a display box for preservation and display purposes. Spinosaurus (m...

This large, translucent piece of amber is from the Dominican Republic and is an estimated 16 to 25 million years old. Amber is fossilized tree resin and is considered a mineraloid. T...

This rare fossil of a prehistoric fish is an impressive specimen originating from Brazil, preserved by time over millions of years. Mounted on a metal bracket with complementary ston...

From San Eugenio, Artigas Dept., Uruguay Sharp crystal cluster in a parallel formation of scalenohedral calcite crystals on matrix  with lustrous translucent grape purple amethyst c...

Intense purple latte aesthetic grape agate. A wonderful, sculptural arrangement! Origin: Indonesia

Aztec Spider Monkey with Wind God Regalia This sculpture portrays a spider monkey (Ateles geofroyi) wearing the regalia associated with the Aztec Wind God, Quetzalcoatl-Ehecatl. Th...

This huge, Museum-quality Spinosaur tooth is completely in tact with no repairs. This incredible specimen includes a display box for preservation and display purposes. Spinosaurus (m...

This huge, Museum-quality Spinosaur tooth is completely in tact with no repairs. This incredible specimen includes a display box for preservation and display purposes. Spinosaurus (m...

A well carved Indian white marble Jain temple relief fragment featuring an image of a Jina, circa 12th century, Rajasthan or Gujarat, India. The Tirthan...

A very rare and exquisite table-top amethyst formation. The long fromation preserves a prominent golden calcite crystal on a bed of deep purple amethyst and is particularly sculptura...

A natural piece of Petrified Wood set on a stand. Completely organic natural raw fossil, cleaned for display. The natural process for petrified wood to be created takes hundreds to...

This piece displays the beauty of the Muonionalusta meteorite in the form of a cube. It is extreamly rare to find a cube of any meteorite above an inch and this piece is 2 inches cub...

We are delighted to offer this stunning pair of fully polished limestone circa 395-million-year-old Fossilized Orthoceras statues Please note the delivery fee listed is just a gui...

Glamorous Natural Tri Color Tourmaline crystal from Paprok Mine Afghanistan Weight: 26.65 grams Dimension: 9.0x 1.3x 1.0 Cm Origin: Paprok mi...

Prehistoric Brazilian thick agate geode on stand. Center hole reveals beautiful natural silver crystals. Stand measures 6" x 4". One of several from a large...

Spinosaurus (meaning "spined reptile") is one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs to ever exist. This behemoth lived in present-day Morocco during the upper Albian to upper Turonian...

Weight: 70.85 Carats Dimension: 3.5 x 2.4 x 0.7 Cm Origin: Africa Colour: Red Pink and Green Shape: Carving Quality: AAA Tourmaline helps to create a shield around a person or room t...

76.55 Carat Tri Colour Fluorite Pair Carving From Pakistan Weight: 76.55 Carat Dimension : 1.3 x 1.5 x 0.5 Cm Origin: Pakistan Fluorite (also called fluorspar) is the mineral f...

162.85 Carat Tri Colour Fluorite Pair Carving From Pakistan Weight: 162.85 Carat Dimension : 3.8 x 2.3 x 0.7 Cm Origin: Pakistan Fluorite (also called fluorspar) is the mineral for...

Prehistoric Brazilian agate geode on stand. White, taupe with a thin rust line. Metal stand measures 6" x 4". One of several from a large collection o...

Weight: 26.40Carats Dimension: 2.8 x 1.9 x 0.5 Cm Origin: Africa Colour: Red Pink and Green Shape: Carving Quality: AAA Tourmaline helps to create a shield around a person or room t...

A stunning grape agate with calcium carbonate arrangement! Origin: Indonesia

O/6416 - Large fossil stone shell - Ammonites were predatory Prehistorie cephalopod mollusks which existed between 400 and 66 million years ago before dying out during the exinction ...

An Aztec Stone Sculpture of a dog-like creature, seated with one raised paw, having large round ears, deep set eyes, mouth with exposed upper fangs, and an unusual curved tail with c...

A Pair of Copper Currencies: “Katanga Crosses” Central African Copper Belt (DR Congo, Zambia or Zimbabwe) Cast copper, archaeological patina Size each:...

Weight: 26.70 Carats Dimension: 2.6 x 1.7 x 0.7 Cm Origin: Africa Color: Red Pink and Green Shape: Carving Quality: AAA Tourmaline helps to create a shield around a person or room to...

Pair of sculptures depicting the Virgin and St. John the Evangelist, portrayed in a mournful attitude. The former has a pained expression on her face, her hands clasped in front of h...

This breathtaking specimen comes from a distinctive group of fluorites that have affectionately been nicknamed, “tanzanite fluorite” for their gemlike aesthetics and color-shifting a...

A Roman marble trapezophorus in the Form of a Barbarian Dacian young figure. Circa 1st-2nd century A.D. Measure: height 24 1/4 inches (62 cm). Property from Mr. Radu Moldovan, Skokie, Illinois Provenance: B.C. Holland Gallery...

Cercle of Jacopo della Pila (Lombard, in Naples 1471-1502) Marble relief depicting a winged Cherub Naples, second half of15th century 40 x 57 x 12 cm Exquisitely carved, this relief portrays a winged cherub with cascading hair and delicate features. The cherub's plump, smooth countenance, rounded cheeks, outlined lips, and finely drawn nose emanate a sense of tenderness. The quadrangular module, is adorned with a carved frame. The relief ascends gradually, transitioning from the low relief of the wings to the high relief of the head. The rectangular frame and the subtly curved form of the artwork suggest that the relief likely adorned the upper part of an arch or a vaulted chapel. The type is that of the perspective room with a coffered ceiling decorated with figures of winged cherubs, which is found in various Neapolitan chapels of the 15th century. Coffered ceilings attest to the recovery of antiquity and the search for luxury in Renaissance architecture, first in Florence, then in Rome and Naples. The majority of the numerous family chapels and tombs built during the late fifteenth century in south of Italy employ the new formal vocabulary of the Florentine Renaissance in a self-confident manner that permitted a broad spectrum of variations. The escalating admiration for the classical world, coupled with the development of perspective, significantly contributed to the Renaissance endorsement of coffered ceilings. This artistic and constructive device drew inspiration from the intricate marble patterns observed in historical landmarks such as the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, the Pantheon, and the Basilica of Maxentius. A distilled product of both mathematical and artistic cultures, deeply scrutinizing the ancient world, the coffered ceiling plays a vital role in the perspective construction of space with its regular and directional geometry. The motif of the coffered ceiling decorated with cherubs in relief was introduced in Naples by Francesco Laurana in the plastic decoration of the Arch of Castelnuovo. Laurana's impact on the art scene in the south of Italy was profound. The introduction of the winged cherub into the region's artistic vocabulary bridged the gap between the classical and the contemporary, creating a synthesis that resonated with both aesthetic and spiritual sensibilities. His influence extended beyond the immediate visual appeal, shaping the cultural identity of the Renaissance in southern Italy. Although the plastic decoration of the Arch of Castelnuovo cannot certainly be ascribed to a mature Renaissance style, it was precisely on this occasion that the sculptors who worked there could get to know and export throughout the Italian peninsula that type of "Florentine classicism" which, even in the 15th century Naples, was conditioned by the Burgundian culture imported into the Kingdom by Alfonso of Aragon himself, with artists called from Spain and Northern Europe. The coffered ceiling, with its geometric patterns and Laurana's winged cherubs nestled within, became a symbol of refinement and cultural sophistication. The relief sculptures, carefully integrated into the overall design, transformed the ceiling into a celestial realm, inviting viewers to contemplate the divine while immersed in the grandeur of the Renaissance space. Similar winged cherubs appears also in the Naples cathedral. Within the renowned Succorpo Chapel, a mesmerizing marble coffered ceiling adorned with cherubs epitomizes the splendor of the Neapolitan Renaissance. The interplay of light and shadow on the textured surface of the marble coffered ceiling introduces an ethereal dimension, providing an immersive visual experience for observers. The geometric precision and the repeated patterns, reminiscent of classical motifs, establish a sense of harmony and balance that has become the hallmark of the Neapolitan interpretation of Florentine Renaissance aesthetics. Although probably intended to be admired from a distance, this cherub is intricately detailed and exquisitely rendered: the face and hair are elegantly outlined and the feathers are textured through juxtaposed lines. The marble, both figurative and decorative, adheres to the principles of balance and restrained ornamentation typical of the « Florentine Classicism ». Harmonious shapes and gracefully orchestrated curves , rooted in the classical repertoire, converge to evoke a sense of ethereal beauty. The surface displays the masterful use of a chisel to intricately carve the feathers and facial features, creating an almost abstract quality. This work is a testament to a sculptor of great skill and rich figurative knowledge, seamlessly blending classical firmness in contours with a refined treatment of the marble's surface. The combination of tradition and innovation point to a stylistic idiom from Lombardy, in particular we can find some comparaisons with the works of Jacopo della Pila, sculptor of Lombard origin working in Naples in the second half of the 15th century. He is documented there between 1471 and 1502, and is a protagonist of the Aragon Renaissance in the second half of the Quattrocento, together with the other great Northern sculptor active in the kingdom, Domenico Gagini. the first commission he received dates back to August 9, 1471, when Jacopo publicly committed to sculpting the funerary monument of Archbishop Nicola Piscicelli to be placed in the Cathedral of Salerno. The last known work is an altar ordered on July 29, 1502, by the noble Jacopo Rocco for the church of San Lorenzo Maggiore in Naples. Between these two chronological extremes (1471-1502), we must place the fervent activity of the artist, who had trained in Rome, perhaps under the guidance of Paolo Romano but also engaged in dialogue with other major artists of the city, especially Isaia da Pisa. He enriched his experience in Naples, initially drawing inspiration from the works of Domenico Gagini and later from the Tuscan masterpieces of Antonio Rossellino and Benedetto da Maiano destined for the church of Santa Maria di Monteoliveto. Jacopo della Pila's artistic personality is thus based on a complex interplay of influences, contributing to the definition of a highly personal style. Close comparaison can be made between our cherub and the winged angels reliefs...

Prehistoric Brazilian thick agate geode on stand. White center with brown border. Metal stand measures 5" x 3.5". One of several from a large collecti...

Fossilised Colla Wood Cross-Section Miocene, circa 23-5 Million years before present Recovered near the town of Zile, Turkey Fossilised wood fragment displ...

A stunning half geode with an incredible amethyst and overlaid calcite formation at the bottom. The interior of the piece is a very deep cavity which presents very high-quality ameth...

Prehistoric Brazilian thick agate geode on stand. Center hole reveals beautiful natural silver crystals. Metal stand measures 6" x 4". One of several ...

The figure stands with arms crossed in front, a pose that is often seen in tomb figurines which were intended to serve the deceased in the afterlife. The long robe and facial feature...

Two Neolithic basalt celts mounted on black steel bases. In archaeology, a celt is a long, thin, prehistoric, stone or bronze tool used as an adze, hoe, h...