Renaissance Decorative Objects

Embriachi workshop marquetry casket Northern Italy, 15th century Alla certosina inlays (bone, stained bone, pewter and wood) H 28.2 x W 18 x D 14 cm This beautiful casket of rectangular form is richly decorated with the characteristic geometric patterns of the Embriachi style. The intricate geometric patterns are fashioned by juxtaposing lighter and darker pieces of wood, (colored) bone, horn and pewter. The lid and base are framed by a broad band of horn. When ivory became scarce in Europe due to disrupted trade routes, bone was substituted. The attention to Symmetry and balance created an harmonious visual effect Enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the casket. The application of geometrical motifs is in Italy known as marquetry ‘alla Certosina’, named after the Certosina Church in Pavia with its famous altarpiece decorated in this way. This is ‘intarsia technique’, a term derived from the Arabic 'tarsi', which means ‘incrustation' recalling ancient mosaics made from various materials. These geometric elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the caskets but also demonstrate the versatility and skill of the artisans in creating multifaceted works of art. ‘Alla Certosina’ became famous through the Northern Italian Embriachi family who achieved a particularly high standard in working in this technique. Venice in particular was known for the production of these luxurious boxes. The caskets, hexagonal or rectangular, surmounted by a lid decorated in several registers constitute the secular, albeit equally renowned component of the workshop’s production, in addition to mirror frames and various everyday objects. The method of fabrication of those objects was based on two concepts that underlay pre-industrial production: standardization and modularity, thanks to a distribution of skills according to the different phases of fabrication. even the realization of the marquetry motifs (in the form of ingots from which portions of the desired size were cut) were therefore entrusted to various specialized craftsmen, as were the assembly phase. Today better known thanks to the extensive research work recently carried out by Michele Tomasi, this workshop owes its name to its founder and owner, the Florentine Baldassare Ubriachi (or degli Embriachi), a merchant and banker established in the Tuscan capital before he settled in Venice in 1395. Together with sculptor Giovanni di Jacopo, who directed the workshop, from the last years of the fourteenth century, Baldassare oversaw a production that was truly original, and still easily recognizable today, comprising monumental altarpieces and various objects, primarily triptychs and caskets. The precise location of the workshop is unknown, except that it originated in Florence and in ca. 1431 there was apparently a workshop in Venice, in the area of S Luca. They employed local workers specializing in 'certosina' (inlay of stained woods, bone and horn), and the workshop produced items carved in bone (usually horse or ox) with wood and bone marquetry. The geometric decoration of Embriachi caskets reflects the artistic complexity and attention to detail that characterized their work. this inlaid casket is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Embriachi family and serves as a stunning example of the decorative arts of the late Middle Ages. Related Literature : E. Berger, Prunk-Kassetten: Europäischen Meisterwerke aus acht Jahrhunderten / Ornamental Caskets...

Christ
 Umbria, Orvieto?
 Second half of the 15th century
 77 x 16.5 cm

This exquisite pair of 16th-century Italian candlesticks is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the Renaissance era. Meticulously carved from wood and adorned with opule...

Rare basin (We think it was the basin to wash the feet on hollyThursday) in brass Rare plat of the german renaissance since it is rather a basin which is much rarer than a offering basket...

Red coral branch and natural emeralds are 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 Renais...

Carved wooden frame, polychromed and gilded made with different elements of marked Renaissance influence, resulting in an architectural composition with staggered base, two ribbed pi...

A huge Burgundy 15th century Christ on its cross. Oak wood . Cross is modern. Damages, some parts missing. 98x83 cm without the cross.

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 handsome pair of French 19th century Renaissance st. patinated bronze and ormolu urns. Each urn is raised on a circular black Belgian marble base with fluted and beaded patinated b...

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

Pair of patinated bronze sculptures after Giambologna French, late 19th century Measures: Mercury height 86cm, width 19cm, depth 27cm Fortuna height 83cm, width 18cm, depth 28cm ...

Decorate a study or a man's office with this elegant antique plaque. Crafted in France circa 1880, the wall decor features a coat of arms with a medieval royal knight...

Renaissance Harpy bronze Italy, 16th century 15 x 12 x 5,5 cm This expressive bronze figure represents a harpy, a mythological creature with the body of a bird and the head and tor...

An impressive and large scale French 19th century Renaissance st. Sèvres Porcelain and verdigris Bronze vase. This wonderful cobalt blue Jardiniere is raised by a square verdigris pa...

The extraordinary beauty and superior craftsmanship of 17th century German clockmaking is on full display in this exceptionally rare horizontal tabletop timepiece dating to 1650 Augsburg. Created by Johannes Buschman the Younger, the eminent Buschman family of clockmakers are lauded for designing some of the finest timepieces to ever be created in the South German town of Augsburg during the late Renaissance and early Modern periods. A finely moulded ebony and turtleshell casing veneered in a mottled red hue holds the clock’s fusée and chain movement with verge escapement and balance with hogs-bristle regulation. A silver figure of Minerva, Roman goddess of war and wisdom, centers the Roman numeral-engraved chapter ring, indicating the time by pointing to the hour with an authoritative military staff as the sun rotates below her feet to indicate the minute. The incredible design is finished by a gilded backplate intricately pierced and engraved with a floral motif and the signature of Johannes Buschman. Clocks are one of the greatest and most important inventions of the Renaissance period, improving steadily into the Age of Discovery. Embodying a renewed interest in science, the arts and humanism, the first mechanical timepieces began appearing in the 14th century and were large, weight-driven devices placed in the turrets of public buildings that struck the hour and lacked hands and faces. This clock was created during the first period of household clocks, when spring-driven movements made it possible to create smaller and more complex mechanisms. Such creations, however, were a luxury accessible only to the wealthy upper classes. Affluent patrons placed pressure upon artisans to create more elaborate and ornate clocks...

A scale white statuary marble sculpture of Moses after Michelangelo circa 1875. After the larger than life-size Carrara marble original from the tomb of Pope Julius II in St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome completed around 1515. This scale sculpture is exceptionally carved, capturing the quality and detail of Michelangelo’s Moses...

This is a hand-painted large ceramic Tuscan urn in the Italian Renaissance style, having a Medici crest on the front with beautiful, rich Tuscan traditional patterns throughout repre...

Italian Renaissance casket. The casket with raised lid all carved with Cherubs on the front and back panel. Original polychrome

15th century Italian carved wood, polychromed and gold gilded sculptures of four Pillars of the Christian Faith (Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint Luke, Saint Matthew).

Finely carved overall with arabesques, birds and scrolls, the top centered by a cartouche. César Bagard was born in Nancy in 1620. Most of the work known to have been carved by him ...

Antique French Renaissance Don Juan & Don Cesar Spelter Metal "Cavaliers" Sculptures - 2 Pcs. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 21" H x 8" W x 6" D.

A rare wooden casket with polychrome and gilded pastiglia relief, Italy, 15th century. The box is adorned with four finely executed scenes from the life of an unknown martyr — beautifully preserved and remarkably vivid after centuries. Dimensions: 15.5 × 10.4 × 9 cm Provenance: Dutch private collection In overall good condition for its age, with minor losses to the surface and possible retouching to the polychromy. The ball feet are likely later additions. Pastiglia [paˈstiʎʎa], an Italian term meaning "pastework", is low relief decoration, normally modelled in gesso or white lead, applied to build up a surface that may then be gilded or painted, or left plain. The technique was used in a variety of ways in Italy during the Renaissance. White lead pastiglia was a north Italian speciality, produced between about 1450 and 1550. Six workshops were identified by Patrick M. De Winter, although their location remains uncertain; the Workshop of the Love and Moral Themes, whose products seem the most numerous, was possibly at Ferrara, where the painter Cosimo Tura began his career gilding caskets. Venice is also thought to have produced them. Other workshops identified by De Winter include the "Workshop of the main Berlin casket" and "Workshop of the Cleveland Casket". The subjects were typically classical, drawn from both mythology and Ancient Roman history (especially the early period covered by Livy), but biblical ones are also found. Compositions can often be shown to be borrowed from another medium, such as prints or bronze plaquettes...

We are very pleased to offer a beautiful decorative box, circa the 1980s. This box is a true masterpiece, boasting the artistry and craftsmanship that Incolay stone...

A stunning and high quality pair of French 19th century Renaissance st. ormolu six arm candelabras signed F. Barbedienne. Each candelabra is raised by a triangular base with concave ...

16th Century, Pair of Italian Lacquered and Gilt Wood Sculptures Torch Holders The pair of sculptures, in finely carved wood, lacquered and gilded, was born as a torch holder, and ...

Tall Baluster Ceramic Vase by Faïencerie de Gien, France, 1970s – Hand-Painted Majolica A tall and impressive baluster-form ceramic vase by the celebrated Faïencerie de Gien, France...

A set of six (6) German white porcelain male nude putti sculptures in the Renaissance or Neoclassical styles, circa 20th century, Germany. A fun set of six male nude tumbling putti s...

This fine 19th century copy of the famous group is in a sumptuous Serpentine marble. The Sabine man crouches in submissive pose, whilst the Roman carries off the writhing woman. It is well-presented on the original matching plinth and pedestal . This perhaps forms part of someone's Grand Tour along with mosaics and bronzes after the antique...

Pair of 16th Century Italian carved polychromed angelic sculptures.

A stunning pair of French 19th century Renaissance st. Ormolu and Crystal vases. The pair of vases are raised on triangular Ormolu bases with central rosettes. The base above is deco...

Base of a carved wooden candelabrum, polychrome and gilded; cross painted on both sides. Umbria or Tuscany, 16th century 136 x 43,5 x 30 cm (The cross and the base of the candelabrum were later assembled) The base of the candelabrum is intricately carved and adorned with polychrome and gilded finishes. The shafts take on the shape of balusters reminiscent of ancient columns, feature ornate foliage decorations, garlands and winged cherub faces. The feet are crafted in the likeness of lion paws. The base is further embellished with depictions of four saint martyrs, among them Saint Barbara and Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The plasticity of the figures, outlined with strong contour lines, the clear and vibrant colors, are stylistic elements linked to the Umbrian tradition of the sixteenth century.The precisely defined and elegant drawing, along with the clear color palette applied with refined chiaroscuro modulations, became the signature of a style that would leave a lasting mark on the era to come. This is exemplified by a preference for vibrant, multicolored images, accentuated in this case by the use of red and pink in the saint's attire. A notable addition, introduced later, is a polylobed cross painted on both sides. On one side, the Crucifixion is vividly portrayed:The treatment of the corpus itself is in line with High Medieval practice, emphasizing pathos by showing Jesus dead, his arms sagging from the weight of the body. The upper section displaying a pelican pecks at her breast to feed her young with her own blood; a symbol of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross whose body and blood similarly nourishes the celebrant during Mass. The lower part depicts Golgotha. On the reverse side, the Resurrection is artistically presented in a Renaissance iconography, reminiscent of the renowned composition painted by Piero della Francesca, now housed in the Civic Museum of Sansepolcro. In terms of composition, with the frontal depiction of Christ holding the banner, this motif became particularly widespread in central Italy, spanning from Tuscany to Umbria throughout the 16th century.. The double-sided construction suggests that it may also have been carried in liturgical processions. In Umbria from the 14th century, the use of portable crosses painted on both sides had become a widespread practice, aimed at satisfying the monastic clientele that had significantly increased following the establishment of new religious communities. The earliest surviving Tuscan painted crucifix represent Christ as Christus Triumphans, or the “Triumphant Christ” with his head up and eyes open. This form was supplanted in the 13th century with the Christus Patiens, or “Suffering Christ” type who is shown often with his head fallen on his shoulder and his eyes closed, as In our cross. The iconography of the suffering Christ appears to have developed out of a new interest in Christ’s human nature, the development of the feast of Corpus Christi and with increased importance given to the Eucharist. The process of humanizing the figure of Christ reaches its peak with the abandonment of all the previous expressive conventions in favor of more realistic details we can observe in this Crucifix, such as the swollen belly, the arms stretched to the limit of muscle tearing, the body falling heavily forward, the abundant blood on the wounds, and the cross firmly embedded in the rock of Calvary. It's worth noting that Renaissance candelabra...

A scarcely seen early 20th century high relief hand made & painted Majolica pottery planter in the manner of Della Robbia. Generous dimensions, beautifully maintained; signed Italy.

Exquisitely carved small bas-relief after a painting by Hans Holbein the Younger (1497–1543) Signed P. Nocker. Peter Nocker, Austrian, (1826-1880) (see Benezit dictionary of artists)

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...

Cercle of Juan Martinez Montañés (1568-1649) Infant St John the Baptist Spanish, 17th century H 74 cm Saint John the Baptist is here represented naked, sitting on a rock, with...

An eye caching figural sculpture of Saint George and the Dragon, After Antoine Louis Barye. As the legend goes, Saint George—a soldier venerated in Christianity—defeats a dragon. The...

This beautiful sculpture of a mother and child was created in circa 1900 by the French sculptor, Vincent Desire Faure de Brousse. Faure de Brousse was...

In reference to the remarkaple marble group of three larger-than-life figures, known as ‘The Rape of the Sabine Women’, which is located under the right arcade of the Loggia dei Lanz...

An elegant and high quality French 19th century Renaissance st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu centerpiece/urn. This beautifully detailed urn is raised by a circular mottled and stepped...

Impressive Pair of Portuguese Seraphim end 17th began1 8th Century Sculptures in molded, polychrome and gilded clay. The figures are represented standing. Set on bases. Normal d...

Impressive pair of patinated bronze firedog andirons in Renaissance style. They are decorated with alternating vases of flowers topped by winged cupids...

This listing features a set of 18th century style candle sticks.

A handsome and high quality pair of French 19th century Renaissance st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu urns. This wonderful pair of lidded urns are raised on circular bases with an Ormo...

An Italian Brass cast bench Hanukkah lamp made in the Renaissance era of the 18th century. A pair of rampant lions leaning on a goblet-shaped burning incense alter is reminiscent of...

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

Grotesque vase, unique piece, 2017, glazed earthenware and gold, 22cm width x 60cm height Antonietta Mazzotti (Faenza, Italy) attended the Istituto d’Arte per la Ceramica in Faenza and opened her first workshop in her hometown taking part in group and solo exhibitions at international level. In 1976 she has transformed the neo-gothic greenhouse of Villa Emaldi in her workshop. Antonietta Mazzotti has worked for some of the most important international museums and has received several important recognitions worldwide. Her works have been featured in major Italian magazines of interior design and she has acquired international visibility being featured in major international press publications, such as The New York Times. She still lives and works at Villa Emaldi in Faenza where she continues her research on historical decor...

Paul Fournier (French, 1859-1926): A large bronze figure of a minstrel playing a lute the figure in Renaissance dress, looking to dexter and seated o...

A large early 19th century Italian statuary marble plaque depicting a reclining cherub or putto, formerly owned by the 1st Earl of Mountbatten. Expertly carved in deep relief, this p...

A very pretty Italian mid century religious triptych depicting Raphael’s Madonna of the Chair. Label on the back. Made in Italy, Florence. Measurements: Closed 12cm. Open 24cm Heigh...

A very fine copy of the Renaissance sculpture entitled 'A Little Boy'. After Italian Renaissance sculptor Desiderio da Settignano, or Desiderio de Bartolomeo di Francesco detto Ferro. In cast bronze. Simply a wonderful bust! Date: 20th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition. Condition Details: There is rubbing to the patina on the crown of the head...

Marble lion white marble France, probably Périgord, 17th century Small marble lion wearing a coat of arms pendant with the engraved date, ...

Pair of patinated bronze figures after Giambologna French, late 19th Century Mercury: Height 84cm, width 17cm, depth 31cm Fortuna: Height 84.5cm, width 17cm, depth 29cm The patinated bronze figures are pictured in the nude, adopting active poses. Both stand on their tiptoes on one foot — Fortuna resting on a scrolling base, and Mercury on a gust of wind, produced by Zephyrus, the god of the western wind — and their other leg is flicked back. In both, one arm is raised, and the other rests at their side. The figures stand on cylindrical yellow marble bases, which are ringed with continuous relief panels, depicting cherubs at the helm of sailing ships, and navigating using globes...

Renaissance Marble Relief Emilia Romagna, Faenza ? 1470-80 H 30,2 x L 33 x P 3,5 cm The carved marble relief depicts the Virgin accompanied by a winge...

A glorious pair of Italian giltwood altar candlesticks from the 1500’s; equally impressive is that this hand-carved pair have stayed together for over 400 years. Gold and silver gilt...

Turned, engraved and openwork box Fruit wood Florence, 17th century Measures: Diameter 11cm Height 4.4cm.  

Embriachi Wedding Casket with Scenes from the Story of Susanna and the Elders, Northern Italy, circa 1420–1440 This object is a so-called Embriachi wedding casket (cassone), produce...

Circa 1880, this elegant antique three-piece garniture set was crafted in France by the celebrated faience manufactory Faïencerie de Gien, founded in 1821 and renowned for producing ...

"Michelangelo prèt-a-porter " -peneculo - Unique piece, 2017 glazed earthenware A RING THING collection A small chair, a miniature moon, a Philipp Stark's squeezer or the anatomi...

Large wooden Madonna and Child, painted and carved in hollow at the back. The theme of the Virgin and Child is the most represented in all Christian art, whereas the infancy of Jesus...

These elegant porcelain vases were crafted in France in 1825-1835. They are designed in the Renaissance style, shaped like Greek Amphora vases, and ...