16th Century Sculptures

Spanish school of the sixteenth century. "Saint Paul". Carved and polychrome wood. Devotional image of a round piece carved in wood, polychrome and gilded, representing the Apostle ...

Griffin head Italy, 16th century On a modern metal stand Measures: 20 x 29 x 21 cm (without the stand) The griffin is a legendary creature with the body of a lion, the head an...

15-16th century sandstone sculpture depicting Prince Siddhartha's (Buddha) horse, 'Kanthaka', during The Great Renunciation. Indra leads the horse, four yakshas bear his feet, Channa...

Mechelen dolls are rare wooden devotional figurines (mainly walnut was used), which were made by some members of the Guild of Saint Luke. The figures, all individual saints, were made from reference models using highly regulated carving and polychrome techniques. They had to meet several requirements. The shape of the rug had to meet certain criteria and the letter M (from Mechelen) had to be visible in the shape. These devotional or saint figurines...

Fra Mattia Della Robbia (Firenze 1468-1534) Saint Joseph Terracotta Tuscany, around 1505-1510 55 x 40 x 30 cm Marco della Robbia the Younger (April 6, 1468 in Florence - 15...

Unique pair of Italian hand-carved caryatids, dating back to 1500 circa, almost 83 inches 210cm high, this antique pair of dark patina Renaissance sculptures comes from a choral ense...

This sculpture has taken on a different character over time as it has weathered and the detailing has softened. Time has given it a pared down, minimalist quality juxtaposing the R...

A 16th century roman style marble column fragment circa 1550. This Solomonic marble column is mounted onto a bespoke steel base. A fascinating, ...

The Massacre of the Innocents Carved oak panel Normandy, late 16th century (Collection labels on the back) Measures: 43,5 x 61 cm.  

400 - 600 year old Burmese carved sandstone sculpture. Calf standing under the mother. From Buddha temple or Hindu temple in Burma. Untouche...

Jean Boulogne bronze sculpture "Abduction of the Sabine Women" a verdigris patinated bronze figured group on a circular stylized. Base signe "Jean Bologne".

500-600 year old sandstone carving. The sculpture is depicting 'Two demons riding on elephants'. From Buddha pagoda / temple in Arakan, Burma, 1400-1500. Untouched and in origin...

A pair of Ming dynasty sancai blue glazed pottery figures. Circa 1500 AD Ming Dynasty I have owned over 250 ming tomb figures including over 80...

Pair of reliefs. Carved, polychrome and gilt wood. Castilian school, 16th century. Pair of carved and polychrome wooden reliefs with figurative relig...

A beautiful pair of 16th century Stone Markers in circular shape from the Navarra region of Spain. Wonderful accent pieces for the interior of garde...

500-600 year old sculpture of 'Hanuman', the Hindu monkey god, carved in sandstone. From temple in Burma, 15-16th century or even older. In very good condit...

The bronze statue depicts a Turkish warrior with shield and sword. the warrior is shown bare without veils, with a base also made of oval-shaped bronze, acting in a war scene. Detai...

Calzetta Da Ravenna (Attivo Tra IL 1496 E IL 1543 circa) Severo. Circle of. Candlestick depicting a kneeling satyr. The model of the present bronze is the ""kneeling satyr"" attributed to Severo Calzetta da Ravenna, one of the main Paduan bronze sculptors of the first half of the 16th century, whose figure was rediscovered by Planiscig in 1935 (L. Planiscig, ""Severo da Ravenna...

Sea monster Carrara marble mouth fountain Italy, late 16th century It measures 13.8 x 31.5 x 18.9 in (35 x 80 x 48 cm) State of conservation: some small evident gaps and widespread signs of wear due to outdoor exposure. The gray marks crossing it do not come from restoration, but are rather the natural veins of the marble. This work has some morphological characteristics typically associated with the iconography of the sea monster: an elongated muzzle, sharp teeth, protruding eyes, elongated ears, and a coiled serpent's tail. An in-depth series of studies on artistic depictions of the sea monster attempted to verify how this symbol evolved in antiquity in the European and Mediterranean contexts and how it gradually changed its image and function over time. The iconography itself is mutable and imaginative and its history is rich with cultural and artistic exchange, as well as the overlapping of ideas. This occurred so much that it is difficult to accurately pinpoint the "types" that satisfactorily represent its various developments. However, we can try to summarize the main figures, starting from the biblical Leviathan and the marine creature that swallowed Jonah (in the Christian version, this figure was to become a whale or a "big fish", the “ketos mega”, translation of the Hebrew “dag gadol”). Other specimens ranged from the dragons mentioned in the Iliad (which were winged and had legs) to "ketos” (also from Greek mythology), the terrifying being from whose Latinized name (“cetus”) derives the word "cetacean". See J. Boardman, “Very Like a Whale” - Classical Sea Monsters, in Monsters and Demons in the Ancient and Medieval Worlds, in Papers presented in Honor of Edith Porada, Mainz am Rhein 1987, pp. 73-84). In Italy the monster underwent yet further variations: it can be found in Etruscan art on the front of some sarcophagi representing the companion of souls, while among the Romans we find the “Pistrice” (cited by Plinio in Naturalis Historia PLIN., Nat., II 9, 8 and by Virgilio in Eneide: VERG., Aen., III, 427), which appeared in the shape of a stylized hippocampus or a very large monstrous cetacean and evolved into a hideous being with a dragon's head and long webbed fins. During the Middle Ages, the sea monster was the object of new transformations: at this time, it is often winged, the head is stretched like a crocodile, the front legs are often very sharp fins - sometimes real paws - until the image merges with dragons, the typical figures of medieval visionary spirituality widely found throughout Europe (on this topic and much more, see: Baltrušaitis, J., Il Medioevo fantastico. Antichità ed esotismi nell’arte gotica, Gli Adelphi 1997). In Italy during the 15th and 16th centuries, the revival of classicism - representative of the humanistic and Renaissance periods - led to a different reading of these "creatures". Indeed, the sea monster was also to find widespread use as an isolated decorative motif, especially in numerous fountains and sculptures where dolphins or sea monsters were used as a characterizing element linked to water (on this theme see: Chet Van Duzer, Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps, London, The British library, 2013). From the morphological point of view, the "sea monsters" of this period are mostly depicted as hybrid figures, in which the body of a mythological or real being (a hippocampus, a sea snake, a dolphin), is joined to a head with a rather indistinct appearance. It was usually characterized by large upright ears, an elongated snout, sharp teeth and globular, protruding eyes; a complex and indefinite figure, both from the symbolic point of view and from that of its genesis. The work we are examining is placed as a cross between the medieval sea serpent and the Renaissance dolphin, with stylistic features which recall the snake as often used in heraldry (such as the "snake" depicted in the coat of arms of the Visconti - the lords and then dukes of Milan between 1277 and 1447 - and which, for some, may be derived from the representations of the “Pistrice” that swallowed Jonah). In the search for sources, Renaissance cartography and in particular woodcuts should not be neglected. See for example the monsters of Olaus Magnus, from the editions of the “Historia de gentibus septentrionalibus” (“History of the peoples of the north”) and the natural histories of Conrad Gesner, Ulisse...

Presenting a remarkable 16th-century Russian Orthodox icon crucifix, a testament to the artistry and spirituality of its era. This meticulously hand-painted and carved wood masterpiece is adorned with three bars, finished in radiant gold gilding, and richly polychromed, making it a truly captivating work of religious art. The central scene portrays the crucifixion, with figures of Martha, Maria, Johannes, and Longinus depicted beneath the cross. Above, the icon features the symbol of the skull of Adam, representing the triumph over death following the original sin. Atop this iconic composition stands God Sabaoth, flanked by two celestial angels, adding a heavenly aura to the piece. What makes this icon truly exceptional are the five scenes meticulously depicted from Orthodox festive days, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of religious traditions and celebrations. This Russian Orthodox crucifix...

Rare pair of sitting Mastiffs dogs. Venice, end of 15th century - first half of the 16th century. Istrian stone. Provenance: - Important private collection of an architect and scenographer from Orvieto (Umbria) A regular exportation licence delivered by the Italian Ministry of Culture accompanies the work. The representation of the dog dates back to ancient times, when dogs were considered weapons of war and used to attack the enemy or stand guard to protect strategic locations. At the entrance to the Pompei’s villa, the presence of a "cave canem...

The Amitabha (Amida in Japanese) Buddha is shown standing with his hands forming the Amida raigo-in mudra. The face has a serene expression, with closed eyes under delicately arched brows and a severe face. The hair is arranged in rows of coils that also cover the "ushnisha", the protuberance on the head. The drapery is folded in elegant pleats falling from the shoulders to the feet. The antique sculpture is placed on a lotus flower which is located on a richly decorated base. Faith in Amida Buddha remained largely confined to a small segment of the Japanese population until the Kamakura Era (1185-1333) when it was popularized by new Pure Land sects committed to bringing Buddhism to the illiterate commoner. These sects expressed concern for the salvation of the ordinary person and stressed pure and simple faith over complicated rites and doctrines. Amida Nyorai...

Angel. Carved and polychrome wood. Century XVI. Polychrome wood carving showing an angel, with the face facing the viewer and the body in pr...

A rare pair of carved sandstone Burmese temple guards. Originates from paragode in Burma c. 15-17th century. Handcarved with fine details. Each guard ...

A stunning pair of 16th century stylophore lions, cast and gilt bronze figurative sculptures from Germany, Nuremberg. The Stylophore Lions were figurative sculpture used in the Re...

Possibly Saint Hubertus or Saint Eustace. Carved, polychrome and gilded wood. Spanish school, 16th century. Carving in polychrome and gilded wood, sim...

A pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) sancai-glazed ridge tiles modelled as horse and rider. Both tiles are glazed in rich green and amber, the horses ...

Virgin Mary and Saint John, pair of linden wood sculptures. Bologna 16th century. The Caloust Gulbenkian Foundation museum has an identical pair.

Pair of small Ming Dynasty (1364-1644) terracotta polychrome figures, in excellent condition. Here's a cute little couple, looking very spry for their age. Both figures are wearing...

Set of two 16th century oak panels, one representing a character accompanied by a dog, the other a character in flames, probably saints. These ...

Exceptional polychrome wood low-relief depicting a werewolf and saint george after a woodcut by lucas cranach (“DER WERWOLF” 1512) Provenance : collection Brimo de Laroussihle c...

16th Century Italian carved-wood and polychromed sculpture of Jesus Christ the conqueror raising the flag after his resurrection.

Carved wood depicting the resurrection of Christ ORIGIN : SOUTHERN NETHERLANDS, ANTWERP PERIOD : EARLY 16th CENTURY Height : 67.5 cm Len...

SAINT AFRE OF AUGSBURG ORIGIN : SOUTHERN GERMANY PERIOD : 16th CENTURY Height : 119 cm Width : 50 cm Depth : 28 cm Limewood Good state of conservation Patron Saint of the city and the diocese of Augsburg, the oldest traces of her worship date back to the 6th century. There are several versions of his legend. She is sometimes identified as the daughter of a king of Cyprus whose violent and unexpected death forced her and her mother, Hilaria, to flee. They went to Augsburg via Rome. Others see her origins in Africa instead, her name meaning African in Latin. Settled in Augsburg, they became the owners of a notorious inn where they traded in their charms. Bishop Narcissus of Girona, accompanied by his deacon Felix, found refuge there one day, fleeing the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. As the two men prayed devoutly, Afre was touched by grace and asked to be baptized. She then left her old life and embraced the Christian faith. When the Roman authorities learned of his new vocation, they exhorted her to worship the old gods and to deny the Christian faith. She refused to renounce her faith and was sentenced to be burned alive. Her sentence was applied immediately and she suffered her mart...

Cercle of Romano Alberti, dit Il Nero da Sansepolcro ( San Sepolcro, 1521-1568 ) Page Mixed media : wood core, papier mâché, stucco, polychrome and gilded Italy, around 1530-154...

400-500 old Burmese sandstone "Holy Cow" sculpture with beautifully detailed carvings. Very decorative with natural patina. Mounted on a base of light sandst...

A small and charming fragmentary cast bronze Buddha head with traces of gilding and lacquer, Lan Na Kingdom, Chiang Saen style, 16th century, Thailand. ...

The carvings of this marble stemma cartouche dates to the 1500’s. Hand-carved in Tuscany, Italy, the marble was mounted onto a geometrically shaped iron stand within the last century...

Saint Sebastian Feast Day: January 20th.l St. Sebastian (????, Narbonne, Gaul/France - c. 288, Rome, Italy) was an early Christian saint popul...

A pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty glazed earthenware figure of Attendant The condition of these 5 century old glazed pottery tomb figures is outstand...

Asian Chinese (Ming Dynasty-Circa 1500) blue & green porcelain Shou Lau seated figure with oversize head (symbolism of longevity & luck) on a base suppo...

A pair of 16th Century Spanish altar panels of Cherubs Representing the Omnipresence of God mounted on a Lucite panel with a double frame of hand-carved ...

Pair of 16th Century Italian carved polychromed angelic sculptures.

Late 16th century Italian school oil on a wood panel painting of The Madonna with Christ Child and the infant St. John the Baptist. Mount Vesuvius is erupting in the background. This painting was part of the collection of Fred B...

A petite Chinese Ming dynasty green glazed terracotta court official figurine from the 15th or 16th century, with original polychromy. Attracting our eye with its nice polychromy, th...

Christ crucified in silver 16th Century Italian school Measure: height: 40cm. very good condition.

A striking pair of large Chinese glazed and painted pottery figures, Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644), circa 16th century, China. The impressive and realistically modeled figures each portrayed standing upright upon a sancai (three color) glazed pedestal of kang table form. The man is dressed in a short black surcoat over a long robe and pants, a smart cap upon his head. His face is warm and welcoming, with wide eyes and a slight smile on his lips. He holds his hands out in front of him, palms up, almost as if shrugging, though presumably originally holding an object or offering, now lost. The woman of slightly smaller stature, and dressed in a longer surcoat over a long robe and skirt. She wears a fitted cap upon her head. Her hands also held out in front, grasping long lost objects. Her face is slightly more severe, with a somewhat pinched look, and slight frown upon her lips. The size of these figures is remarkable, as is the realism and attention to detail, almost as if they were modeled after real people, as opposed to the more common and generic Ming Dynasty pottery...

A fine fragmentary gilt bronze head of the Buddha, Lan Na Kingdom, Chiang Saen style, 15th-16th century, Northern Thailand. The small head with well ca...

The monk is depicted with an oval face, marked with high and strong cheekbones, sunken cheeks, strong jawbones and a cleft chin. His almond shaped eyes are opened under very strong a...

Pair of polychrome wood sculptures. "San Juan and San Pablo". Castilian school, 16th century. Both male figures have been represented standing, with their main iconographic attrib...

A pair of 16th Century Italian wood carved figures of Saint Ambrose Archbishop of Milan and Saint Augustine Bishop of Hippo, two of the four original Doc...

16th Century Spanish gold gilded and polychromed Carved-wood sculpture of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. She depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary in her...

Early 16th Century Spanish gold gilded and polychromed carved wood sculpture of John The Baptist.

16th century Italian carved and polychromed figure of a male saint or prophet with a wonderful presence. Shown holding an open book in his right hand with flames at his feet, mid-16t...

In Medieval Europe and even more during the early 16th century fantastic beasts could be found in Bestiaries, a literary genre close to poetry. A bestiary used the characteristics of...

Easily recognizable with his gesture of showing pest effect on his thigh this pilgrim saint is accompanied by an angel curing him. The quality of the wood is noteworthy. Bibliography Louis Réau, Iconographie de l’Art Chrétien...

1600-1700th century sculpture of female head carved in sandstone. Mounted on a base of light sandstone. From pagoda / temple in Burma. Charming expression with good patina. M...

Early 16th Century Spanish carved-wood and polychromed panel of The Betrothal and Love of Joseph and Mary mounted on a Lucite panel and framed with a walnut wood hand-finished frame.