Renaissance Decorative Objects

A fascinating bit of history, this pair of carved wooden terms dates to the High Renaissance during the 1500s. A term is a beam support in the form of a human head where the bust con...

Antique Gualdo Tadino lusterware majolica urn with elaborate snake handles and rich decoration in Renaissance style. Early 20th century. Sweet piece. 11 1/4" high, 11" over handles, ...

Rare and fine quality 19th century Italian Renaissance walnut carved miniature blanket chest or coffer. Fine carving in walnut wood on the fron...

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...

PAIR of Italian Renaissance style (late19th Century) walnut life-size carved figures of the Devil and his wife standing on pedestal bases. (attributed to Francesco Toso) (PRICED AS P...

Elegant 19th century French centerpiece, finely cast in bronze with gilt patina, featuring a putto holding a beautifully cut crystal dish. The richly decorated base shows intricate s...

Head David Sculpture In Antique Bronze Finish On Black Marble Base The Head David sculpture is a sophisticated decorative object featuring a rich antique bronze finish that evokes a...

These two busts, monumental in both their size and artistry, come from the renowned Italian majolica workshop of the famed Angelo Minghetti. Depicted are the Renaissance political an...

Black coral sea fan embellished with green tourmaline and a showy quartz druzy shell specimen mounted on a 19th-Century French bronze doré fragment. This is a lovely objet d'art to a...

Petite lacey black coral sea fan embellished with tourmaline mounted on a 19th-Century French bronze doré fragment sitting on an optical calcite base. This is a lovely objet d'art t...

A large 16th-century hand-carved wooden fragment depicting a kneeling angel in adoration, arms extended and wearing a gentle, serene expression. Likely of Northern European origin, t...

Large high relief in carved and gilt wood, with many traces of polychromy, representing the Adoration of the Shepherds. The evangelist Luke first mentions that the scene takes place at night. A sudden light, which frightens the shepherds, signals the arrival of an angel who announces "great joy". He gives them a sign: they will find "a newborn baby wrapped...

20th century French stone lion holding a shield on a pedestal. A 20th century lion carved from stone holding a crest carved with a lion with wearing a crown. It is a representation o...

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...

A rather unique painted chest from Europe, this table coffer was commissioned in 1915. The right side (when viewing from the front) is dated, with the numbers flanking a springing ra...

Very good pair of 16th century Italian bronze candlesticks of unusually bold design, turned balustrade form and good scale. One pricket lacking.      

Pair of Renaissance Alabaster Columns Attributed to Cornelis Floris de Vriendt Flemish, Mid-16th Century 
Alabaster 
H: 27 cm; D: 10 cm This refined pair of all’antica alabaster col...

Jacques Bergé "King David" - Terracotta or Fired Clay with Polychrome Remnants Dated 1736 14.5" h x 5.5" w x 4.5" d A rare and exceptionally refined terracotta sculpture of *King ...

Rare pair of Paris porcelain vases composed of a cubic base on a flared base and surmounted by a Medicis style vase with a generous belly. Superb decor on an orange and white back...

Vintage 1970s Franklin Mint 1976 Baccarat France Julius Caesar Purple Sulphide Glass Paperweight with Original Box. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: Box: 2.5" H x 4.25" W x 4.2...

Saint Anthony with the Child Jesus. Wood. Mechelen School, 16th century. Sculpture in carved wood worked, as was usual in that center, on the front because it was designed to be pla...

17th Century Italian polychromed and gold gilded on wood panel Sienese style painting of the Madonna Enthroned with the child and two adoring angels behind them. The halos are beautifully adorned with punch work. She is framed by a hand-carved gold gilded and velvet lined frame and sitting on a hand-carved matching base. The piece is mounted on a Lucite panel and framed with a contemporary hand-finished wood molding.

A dramatic patinated bronze statue depicting the mortal fight between Charles Martel a Medieval Frankish King over the Muslim KIng of the Saracens at ...

Jewelry box in 925 sterling silver. The body of the box is rectangular and shaped which makes its line light and harmonious. The hinged lid is hand-engraved with volutes and Florentine lilies...

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

Marble Helmet
 France, 17th century
 Marble
 25 × 27 × 18 cm This finely carved marble helmet, adorned with a grotesque mask, exemplifies the 17th-century fascination with antique-i...

Black coral sea fan mounted on a 19th-Century French bronze doré fragment. This is a lovely objet d'art to add to your collection or cabinet. During the Renaissance, Cabinets of A...

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...

Italian Renaissance style (19th Century -German) small brass box having putti and tendrils in heavily reliefed design (Maker\'s mark: Erhard and Sohne)

19th Century English Silvered Metal 'Worried Knight' Inkwell Add a touch of classical whimsy to your home or office with our tole figural knight inkwell. Made in later 19th century ...

Magnificent and Monumental 16th Century Renaissance Carved Oak Bust of Christ, Flemish Netherlandish, C. 1550 A powerful and deeply expressive Renaissance carved oak bust of Jesus C...

Amphora in majolica handmade in Italy and hand-painted in polychrome, decorated with a reinterpretation of the patterns used in Deruta during the Fifteenth Century, following the ori...

18th Century or Older Italian Renaissance Style Carved Verdigris Marble Table Box  This exquisite 18th-century or older carved Verdigris marble table box epitomizes Italian Renaissa...

A lacey black coral sea fan embellished mounted on a 19th-Century French Napoleon III bronze doré fragment. This is a lovely objet d'art to add to your collection or cabinet. Duri...

This exquisite work of art was created circa 1836-1840 in France by the acclaimed French gold and silversmith, Jean-Valentin Morel. Using only the finest of materials and with exceptional attention to detail, this magnificent piece is without doubt one of the finest creations within the field of decorative arts in the 19th century. The body of the cup has been crafted from the pinky-red and orange gemstone, agate, and fitted with gold and silver-gilt mounts, which have, in some places, been jewelled and enamelled. Morel specialized in high quality hard stone cups...

Spectacular Patinated Bronze SCULPTURE depicting "The Child and the Crab"19th century Italy late 19th century 100 x 70cm good conditions

The Head David statue is a timeless and iconic decorative piece meticulously crafted from luxurious white marble to exude elegance. This sculpture features intricate details and a sm...

Hispano-Moresque Mudéjar Bone-Inlaid Walnut Chest
 Spain, 16th–17th century 
Walnut, bone inlay, iron fittings
 44.5 × 30.5 × 18 cm This rectangular walnut chest, richly ornamented ...

This compelling Italian 19th century white glazed porcelain sculpture depicts ‘The Rape of the Sabines’, after a monumental work by the Renaissance artist, Giambologna (1529-1608) th...

A handsome Continental rectangular iron-bound bullion (or strong) box or coffer chest of patinated walnut from the Renaissance 17th century, featuring a paneled exterior with decorat...

Italian Renaissance oak carved sculpture featuring a semi-nude woman gasping looking upwards with hellenistic drapery wrapped around her arms and abdomen holding a staff and a cub in...

An small but exquisitely cast and highly detailed bronze statue of St Joan of Arc in full body battle armour including the horse with one hand holding ...

Giorgio Salimbeni Gold-Plated Sterling Silver and Enamel Photo Frame, Florence, 1970 Elegant rectangular photo frame in 925/1000 sterling silver, gold plated, and richly decorated wi...

Polychrome and gilt papier-mâché Religious Madonna and child depicting the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. Figures stand on a gilt rectangular base with painted description by the a...

2 Italian Renaissance style objet d'art ostrich eggs mounted on bronze triple griffin bases (19/20th Cent) (PRICED EACH)

Shaped box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with painted fire enamels like lapis lazuli stone and beautiful miniature hand painted by the painter Beatrice Mellana reproducing ...

This rare Venetian frame entirely carved in high-relief shows a rich decor of scrolls, garlands, daisy flowers and thistles. At the four corners of the frame are depicted large acant...

A truly magnificent Italian Renaissance gold gilded hand carved frame. Amazing craftsmanship and a very good condition for its age. Painting which fits inside (painting opening), di...

From Niagara Furniture a Vintage Faux Leather Waste Can. Cast from resin the planter has been given a super high end look by decorating it to appear as though it is wrapped in leather and painted with what looks like gold tooling. Ingeniously designed to resemble an antique waste basket...

Sterling, Bone, & Semi-Precious Gems Figure of 'St. George & Dragon' Germany, Early 20th Century A meticulously cast and modeled Medieval / Renaissance Figure of St. George Slaying the Dragon, This figure with a moveable helmet visor, revealing his carved bone face...

Mid-19th century over life-size carved marble statue of Michelangelo's "Bacchus". Grand Tour copy through the "Point To Point" method directly from the original keeping its masterful proportions and Fine details in an exact size to Michelangelo's work. We have never seen a 19th century copy of this Renaissance Masterpiece of this size and are quite fortunate to be responsible for its stewardship until purchase by a discerning collector The original "Bacchus" is a marble sculpture by the master, Michelangelo, created circa 1496 when the artist was 21. This statue was originally commissioned by Cardinal Raffaele Riario. However, it was rejected by him and eventually found its way to Jacopo Galli, Cardinal Riario’s banker and a friend of the sculptor, who purchased it in 1506. Some 66 years later it was bought for the Medici and transferred to the royal house in Florence, Italy. Currently it can be viewed at the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence. It is one of just two sculptures surviving Michelangelo’s initial period in Rome, with the other being Pieta. The artwork: This somewhat oversized...

PAIR of Italian Renaissance-style (19th Century) Judaica eagle head design brass candelabras with bird finials (PRICED AS PAIR)

Meticulously carved from beechwood, this cherub pair recalls the iconic Renaissance style of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Better recognized by their Italian name, putti—the singular putto refers to the Latin putus, meaning “boy” or “child”—these types of figures often recur in religious artwork as symbols of God...

Rare and valuable ebony-plated domed case with rich gilt bronze decoration and central jasper medallion. Italian Renaissance manufacture from the early 17th century. The production...

Pair of Italian Renaissance style green patinated bronze figure of horse walking (from a series of 1,000 titled: "Cavalli di San Marco II", signed by L...

PAIR of Italian Renaissance-style (19th Century) round bronze altar sticks with filigree top and base (PRICED AS PAIR) Both prickets are missing

A lacey black coral sea fan embellished with natural citrine mounted on a 19th-Century French bronze doré fragment. This is a lovely objet d'art to add to your collection or cabinet....

Likely Portugese heavily potted with copper and cream tones. Globular form with small loop ring handles and Alhambresque palette decoration. Conforming raised foot.

Beautiful pair of Saint-Louis crystal candelabras from the 1950s. Excellent condition. Dimensions in cm ( H x L x l ) : 31 x 22.5 x 14

A rare pair of tin-glazed (lead glaze with a bit of tin oxide added) earthenware pharmacy jars from Italy hand-painted. Beautiful color and elegant shape. Circa 1720.