19th Century Sculptures

Embossed and engraved silver plaque La Madonna del lago (The Madonna of the Lake) Probably Milan, post 1824 Brass frame It measures 16.14 in x 13.85 in (41 x 35.2 cm) and it weighs 10.357 pounds (4.698 g): silver 1.31 pounds (598 g) + brass 9.03 pounds (4.100 g) State of conservation: some abrasions on the bottom. The frame is old, but not original. The plaque is made up of a sheet of embossed and engraved silver, and held in a solid brass frame. It depicts the “Madonna del lago” – “Madonna of the Lake” - (the Madonna with Child and San Giovannino) by Marco d'Oggiono (Oggiono, 1474 circa - Milan, 1524 circa), while changing only the background landscape. Almost certainly the subject reproduced in the plaque was taken from a famous engraving by Giuseppe Longhi (Monza, 1766 - Milan, 1831), one of the greatest engravers of his era. The silver is unmarked, probably because originally the Madonna was due to be exposed in a church: sometimes precious metals destined for worship and liturgical use would be exempted from payment and were, therefore, not marked. It is very likely that the plaque was made in Milan because in this city in 1824 the engraving by Giuseppe Longhi was made and printed. In addition, in Milan, the alleged lost painting by Leonardo da Vinci in his Milanese period (1482-1500) would be produced; this is the painting from which Marco d'Oggiono took his version. The painting Marco d?Oggiono was one of Leonardo da Vinci's most brilliant students and collaborators (D. Sedini, Marco d’Oggiono, tradizione e rinnovamento in Lombardia tra Quattrocento e Cinquecento, Roma 1989, pp. 151-153, n. 56; p. 225, n. 124, with previous bibliography). His style reflects in every way that of the Tuscan Maestro, so much so that he was the one who executed some copies of da Vinci's paintings. The execution of the “Madonna del Lago” probably draws inspiration from a lost painting by the Maestro, created while he was living in Milan (1482-1500). There are many similarities with other works by Leonardo such as the “Vergine delle rocce” or the “Vergine con il Bambino e San Giovannino, Sant’Anna e l’Agnello”. The painting, from which the drawing and then the famous engraving were taken, is found today at the M&G Museum of Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where it came to rest after the sale of the Harrington Collection in London in 1917. The work appears in the inventories of the collection of Napoleon and Joséphine Bonaparte at the castle of Malmaison, before 1809. The Malmaison building was born and developed in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the 18th century it belonged to Jacques-Jean Le Coulteux du Molay, a wealthy banker. Later, during the Directory, Joséphine Bonaparte de Beauharnais bought it on April 21st, 1799, but settled at the castle definitively only after her husband separated from her in 1809. She remained there until 1814, the year of her death. When Joséphine died, the estate passed to her son Eugène de Beauharnais, who moved to Munich with his whole family in 1815, bringing with him the collection of paintings he inherited from his mother. Eugène died in 1824 and his wife Augusta of Bavaria (von Bayern), unable to keep it, in 1828 sold the Malmaison to the Swedish banker Jonas-Philip Hagerman. It is likely that in this period Augusta also sold part of the paintings inherited from her husband, including the “Madonna del Lago”. This painting then came into the possession of Leicester Stanhope, fifth Earl of Harrington (1784 - 1862) and then was passed down to his descendants. In 1917, at the death of Charles, eighth Earl of Harrington, his brother Dudley inherited the title and properties and he put up a part of his collections for sale. Among these, precisely, the painting by Marco d'Oggiono was to be found. On the occasion of that auction the painting was presented as a work by Cesare da Sesto, by virtue of a handwritten note by the Countess of Harrington on the back of the table. However, already in 1857, the German critic Gustav Waagen had identified Marco d'Oggiono as the author of the painting, then exhibited in the dining room of Harrington House in London (Treasures of Art in Great Britain, in 4 volumes, London, 1854 and 1857). The engraving Giuseppe Longhi was one of the most renowned engravers in Italy between the end of the 18th century and the first quarter of the 19th century. In 1824 Giuseppe Longhi, based on a design by Paolo Caronni, made a famous engraving of the painting of Marco d?Oggiono. The activity of Longhi was then at the peak of his notoriety, enough to earn him very substantial commissions; it is not risky to suppose that some of his successful engravings were also reproduced using other means: in our case in silver. (A. Crespi, a cura di, Giuseppe Longhi 1766–1831 e Raffaello Morghen...

19th Century Vienna Porcelain Model of a King Charles Spaniel Austria, Mid-19th Century This exquisite 19th-century Vienna porcelain model of a King Charles Spaniel is a beautifully crafted example of fine European porcelain...

Shiva is one of the main gods of Hinduism. In Shivism, he is considered to the believers as the most important manifestation of the Supreme. As part of the "Houtuistic Trinity" (Trim...

Natural specimen red pipe organ coral. Offered is a lovely piece of organic Pacific red pipe organ specimen coral which revels different colors depending on which side it is viewed f...

This is a splendid antique Italian carved alabaster sculpture of a figural group titled 'The Artist's Muse' by P. Emilio Fiaschi (Italian, 1858-1941), circa 1890 in date. This finely carved sculpture depicts a beautiful young couple modelled as a young artist in Renaissance dress holding a palette and leaning over a maiden seated in a Savonarola chair with paw...

An excellent late 19th Century patinated Art Nouveau bronze study of a naked beauty standing on a podium with a cape draped over her shoulders, raised on a marble plinth and signed ...

Beautiful and important wooden memorial temple covered in faux marble. From the purest neoclassical form, this Grand Tour piece of furniture is a classic piece of furniture of grea...

A charming near pair of Chinese green glazed foo lion joss stick holders, late 19th century, China. The delightful foo lions, also referred to as foo dogs, crafted as joss (incens...

A 19th-century patinated bronze figure of the Berlin Adorante, or Praying Boy. The piece is a reduction of the Hellenistic-era original, currently in t...

Large antique bronze study of a nude male on horseback having an unconscious man draped across the horse's back, the naturalistic bronze base raised on a marble plinth base, signed t...

A late 19th century bronze sculpture by Emmanuel Fremiet depicting Prince Royal Louis 1st Duke of Orléans. A later cast of the original sculpture erected in the courtyard of the Chât...

I-Beam sculpture done by artist John Piet of Detroit, Michigan. Retains original red/orange steel primer color with variations to steel finish with light oxi...

French life size plaster bust of 18th Century nobleman on square base (model by Jean Jacques Caffieri 1725 - 1792/late 19th cent)

Impressive Pair of Grand Tour Twin Handle Patinated Bronze Medici Urns of Campagne outline, of compact and heavy proportions. Second quarter of the Nineteenth Century. Firmly attribu...

American hanging Apothecary show globe with a mounted cast iron painted and gilded eagle. Globe was filled with a colorful green or red liquid to...

Large Majolica turtle fountain signed Sarreguemines, circa 1890. Form 913. At the end of 19th century it's not unusual to find in the rich houses thi...

Beautiful musicienne par flora sculpt of Female playing the violin. Bronze on marble base signed "musicienne par flora sculpt" having beautiful patina.

19th Century French Bronze Figure of Cupid, Attributed to Auguste Moreau France, circa 1890 Unsigned A captivating 19th-century French bronze figure of Cupid, attributed to the reno...

This large Burmese bell is known as hka-lauk and was used to track the movement of a livestock animal, strung from a collar by the two loops at the top. Dat...

Classical terracotta bust in very good original condition showing only light cosmetic wear normal and consistent with age. The bust depicts a woman’s head, her hair is tied back in ...

This is a small stone statue believed to have been made in Japan during the Edo period. It was placed at crossroads, village entrances, or along mountain paths to pray for the safety...

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...

La Pensee By E. Picault Bears Foundry Mark 19c Bronze The winged youth clad in billowing drape and taking flight with one hand raised, incised E. PICAULT, title plaque LA PENSÉE prenant son envol et portant la lumière, E. Picault.   Émile Louis Picault was a prolific French Orientalist sculptor known for his bronzes depicting allegorical and mythological scenes. Picault often chose warriors and heroes as subjects, as seen in his La Défense Du Foyer (ca. 1890), which extols patriotic virtues in French. Born on August 24, 1833 in Paris, France he studied under the painter Henri Royer...

Diana the Hunteress and her Nymphs Important sculptural group in white enamelled porcelain representing the Goddess Diana the Hunteress and her Nymphs, with her pack of dogs Resting ...

Very impressive 19th century solid silver antique German model of a ship, named "Nef" in the renaissance style, impressively large and highly deta...

Large French Majolica dog wall pocke Delphin Massier. Height / 8.5 inches. The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. The Massier family produced di...

Majolica fish jardiniere signed George Dreyfus Fontainebleau circa 1890.

A 19th century bronze sculpture of the Neapolitan Fisherman after the antique. In Grand tour style, the boy almost looks like he is in a stance of motion in this good quality scale,...

Onyx Plinth From our Sculpture collection, we are delighted to offer this Austrian Cold Painted Bronze Horse. The Bronze mounted upon a squared green onyx base with a convex beading...

Rare 19th Century Jerusalem Crucifix Cross, Highly Decorative & Mounted To An Olive Wood Frame, Engraved With Jesus and Holy Figure

Gorgeous antique metal money bank. A beautiful decorative item in metal with a lock. Made in Austria, circa 1880s or older. Nice addition to any collection, desktop, living room or c...

the hand-carved and finely detailed recumbent mother Retriever with raised head and glass eyes giving a direct gaze to a distant object; wearing a knotted leash attached to a thick c...

American Copper full bodied pig directional weathervane resting on squared iron stand, late 19th century.

American cast bronze garden fountain with standing figural boy holding Koi fish on a two-tiered shell form scrolled base with turtle at his feet, Late 19th century.

Classic 1890s Black Forest desk accessory carved from wood in the shape of a wild boar. A lovely addition to your room or just to use on your desk. Made from hand carved wood. Found ...

This is a fine antique French Empire Revival ormolu and patinated marble casket, circa 1820 in date. Of rectangular form decorated with  a central sculp...

A late 19th Century Italian bronze bust of the poet Dante. Measurements: Length: 19.5" Depth: 10" Height: 15.5"

JESUS CHRIST CRUCIFIED European, Germany ? 19th century Christ and font in bronze, wooden cross, covered with enamel. Slight wear. Dim.: (cross) 50 x 30 cm; Height: (christ) 16 cm...

Bronze Sculpture Mastiff by Charles Valton Dog Bronze Statue Animalier Antiques . Signed and stamped. Valton was known for his big cats but probably his mos...

An Italian 19th-century Grand Tour Greco Roman bronze sculpture of Narcissus, after the original sculpture excavated in 1862 at Pompeii, the green patinated bronze figure of the mythological son of the river god...

Our very large (53.5 in, 136 cm) bronze statue by the French master, Jules Bertin (1826-1892), circa 1879, depicts the Roman goddess, Libertas (Liberty), standing upon a stylized glo...

Very Large 19th Century Rare French Majolica Pig Pitcher signed Delphin Massier. Height / 10.2 inches.

A very fine Grand Tour bronze study of the famous Venus de Milo with excellent rich brown patina and good hand finished surface detail. The casting is unusual in that it does not pretend to hide the many imperfections on the original. It is signed on the base with "Reduction Mechanique Ronald Collas, and for the foundry F.Barbidienne Fondeur. Foundry stamp on the base Considered by any to be the most beautiful Hellenistic statue to survive fro antiquity, the Venus of Milos...

Oversize and spectacular 19th century Black Forest carved wood trophy wall plaque with a large fish. Beautiful carved border with acanthus leaves. Measur...

The Warwick Cup An Important Victorian Silver Presentation Horse Racing Trophy For The 1853 Warwick Races, by Elkington & Co. England. Modelled by Pierre-Emile Jeannest (French, 18...

An antique white statuary marble bust of Diana, ex Dunkirk Manor, Stroud, England. Dating to circa 1850, this Italian sculpture is of an impressive life size scale mounted on a circ...

An excellent mid 19th Century French Animalier bronze study of a game bird proudly holding its catch of the day with very fine intricate hand chased surface detail and very fine rich...

A French “Jockey à Cheval” sculpture from the Napoleon III period crafted in gilt and patinated bronze, depicting a jockey and his faithful horse in fine detail. The piece rests on a...

"Diane de Gabies" French sculpture, late 19th century. Patinated bronze with "Ferdinand Barbedienne" foundry marks. Height: 51 cm. Very goo...

Carrara marble bust signed P. Bazzanti. Italy, Florence, late 19th century.

A 19th Century English lion head with articulated jaw. Probably from an antique billiard table. Measurements: Height: 10.5" Width: 7" Depth: 5"

A large, antique Chinese figure of the Medicine Buddha Bhaishajyaguru made of hand crafted gilded, partly lacquered Tropical wood, in good condition. The sculpture is dressed in a fl...

This is a vintage cast playful bird bath or feeder. It features a man’s head and neck with a birdbath sitting on top like a hat. A whimsical item that would ...

A beautiful 10 lb, gilt bronze statue of Tibetan White Tara. Seated in dhyanasana on a 4-tier lotus pedestal rising above holy beast on padmasana (single petal row lotus throne), both hands in Karana mudra to expel evils. Her small exquisite face with serene expression, with downcast eyes under high arched brows, wearing a high crown and long beaded necklaces ands rosette earrings. The beast with vivid expressions, bells and a saddle draped...

Bronze sculpture of a cat by Emmanuel Fremiet, 19th century. A bronze sculpture of a cat by Emmanuel Frmiet, 19th century, Napoleon III period. H: 8cm, W: 7cm, D: 4cm

Masterfully carved Italian Vanitas bust in solid marble from late 19th century. White Carrara marble skull combined with a red Rosso Imperiale marble Ro...

EMMANUEL FREMIET French, 1824-1910 "Chien Levrier" Patinated bronze signed E. Fremiet in naturalistic base cold-stamped 85, a Charles More cast Item # 411PRB18X An exquisite mo...

A rare pair of 19th-century Meissen porcelain Parrots with ornate gilded ormolu mounts, highlighting their luxurious craftsmanship and potential royal associations. The mounts, chara...

Etienne Henri Dumaige created this patinated bronze sculpture depicting a seated woman in the 19th century. The artwork is signed on the cushion. Measurement: With Base: 13 x 6 3/4...

This is a fabulous piece of African art in the form of an axe. This looks to be a work axe rather than a hunting axe with its fine metal blade. The age of this axe is 19th century bu...