Figurative Sculptures

16th Century Madonna and child wood carving, retaining some original polychrome decoration sizes 67 cms high, 30cms wide and 25 cms deep

Excellent walnut carving of a Carlo Boccomico c1600 Visible old dead worm holes, but great condition 72 cms high 30 cms wide

Beautifully carved and painted. Nice patina. From a beautiful house in Santa Barbara. They do hold candles on a spike.

From a beautiful home in Santa Barbara. Slight chipping in silver leaf on back side. Beautifully detailed.

Pair of 18th century Italian carved wood figures. Originally polychromed and now aged to a shabby chic look.

An Early 16th Century Stone Carving with polychrome : 'The Death of a Prelate'. The enthroned figure of a Bishop surrounded by attendants and surmounted by celestial angels.

18th century French carved-wood panel of a scene of Cherubs burying their pet, expressing that God cares about all of creation, and since pets are part of that creation, they are included in His care and attention. The piece is mounted on a Lucite panel framed with a double walnut molding...

Elegant Standing Court Dignitary with joined hands in blue robes and a bird headdress. Polychrome Traces. When China was unified again, first briefly ...

A Roman bronze and gilt-bronze figure of a Bacchante, circa 1780.

Christ in Boxwood, France, late 16th-early 17th century Beautiful corpse of Christ with missing arms. He must have been on the Cross, arms in a horizontal position. Great expressiv...

An Italian 18th century sculpture of St. Peter of Verona. A magnificent sculpture of St Peter martyr of Verona, created by a member of the Lombard art school in Verona Italy, in the...

It features a depiction of Tripurantaka Murti, as a manifestation of Lord Shiva. This relief was carved from red sandstone, most likely in Central India, circa the 10th or 11th Cent...

One of a kind Baroque Spanish St Michel sculpture. A museum piece !! The artistic imprint shows the typical Castilian traces in the conception and interpretation of the subject. This allows us to frame the attribution to a close circle of the stela left by Gregorio Fernández (1576-1636) in the very recognized Castilian circle. The artist responsible for the creation of this magnificent carving has undoubtedly been trained in the footsteps of Fernández in the Castilian Baroque context. He powerfully remembers the Archangel San Miguel preserved in the reliquary of the Church of San Miguel de Valladolid; belonging to the first third of the seventeenth century. Both carvings show great parallels in the spatial conception, in the configuration of the cloths...

This antique cherub figure was crafted in Italy, circa 1780. The hand-painted putti carving features its original polychrome and gold leaf finish for a luxurious result. The hand carved cherub is expressive in it's movement and features a wonderful facial expression. The colorful wall hanging...

A wonderful 16th century draped female torso in classical style. Made in France under Italian Renaissance influence this female torso is finely sculpted with great detail to the stol...

Pair of 18th century Italian hand-carved gold leaf angels with tangerine quartz crystals and mounted on aragonite. The hand-carved angels were once part of a heavenly, angelic depiction in a historic church in Tuscany. The angel arms and feet are adorned with the tangerine quartz crystals to restore the broken aspects of the figurative pair. They appear partially crystalized in form. The aragonite is from Morocco and has many different formations. This one in particular emulates a cloud which is compliments the 18th century Italian gilded angels. The piece is put together by Jean O'Reilly Barlow, the artist and creative director of Interi. The date of manufacture reflects when she created the piece and the period shows that the pair of Italian angels...

Exceptionally Fine Wooden Sarcophagus Mask Third Intermediate Period, 21st Dynasty, circa 1069-945 BC. Acacia wood, rosewood, hippopotamus ivory Masterfully carved from a single piece of fine-grained hardwood, the present mask is characteristic of the most exquisite funerary art made during the 21st Dynasty, and was probably commissioned for a particularly high-ranking individual. The oval face displays a gently smiling mouth with full, outlined lips, furrows at the corners and a bow-shaped philtrum. The straight nose with rounded nostrils, the cheeks full and fleshy and the large, almond shaped eyes with heavy lids and tapering cosmetic lines, set below long, sweeping eyebrows. Social collapse across the Mediterranean in the Late Bronze Age meant that the 21st Dynasty in Egypt was a period of great turmoil. Trade routes were disrupted, governments collapsed, and mass migration occurred. Economic scarcity meant that traditional funerary practices in Egypt were also affected, with a lack of material and financial resources leading to the reuse of preexisting material. As a result, during the 21st Dynasty, 19th and 20th Dynasty coffins changed ownership rapidly and were heavily recycled for new purposes. Tombs were also unmarked allowing them to be shared by many people. These new practices brought forth a shift in the understanding of funerary paraphernalia. No longer important objects owned forever by the deceased, they were now simply seen as short-term transformative devices, whose symbolic and ritualistic meaning could be appropriated for others. However, paradoxically, the art of coffin-making also reached new heights during this period, and many of the richly dec- orated “yellow” coffins, characteristic of the 21st Dynasty, are remarkable works of art in their own right. Indeed, knowing that coffins were being reused throughout Egypt, the Egyptian élite set themself apart by commissioning lavish sarcophagi decorated with the images and texts meant to help guide them to the afterlife, and which would otherwise have adorned the tomb walls. As coffins were the chief funerary element which now identified the dead and allowed them a physical presence in the world of the living, their quality and appearance were of the utmost importance. The traditional coffin ensemble was made of three parts: a wooden mummy cover, which laid directly atop the mummy, an inner coffin, and an outer coffin, both made of a lid and case. Additional decorative elements, such as masks, were carved out separately and later glued or pegged to the lids. After the completion of the painted decoration, the sarcophagus was covered in a varnish to give it its yellow colour. Gilding was sometimes used for the coffins of the high priests’ families, notably on parts representing naked skin, such as the face mask. However, some of the élite tactically avoided gilding altogether as to ensure that their coffin would not be looted. When manufacturing the inner and outer coffins, particular attention was paid to the woodwork. Displaying the skill of the carpenter, this type of funerary art has largely remained unparalleled throughout Egyptian history. The principal wood used to craft the present mask is Acacia nilotica. The evergreen Egyptian acacia was considered sacred and said to be the tree of life, the birthplace of the god Horus, as well as symbolic of Osiris, the god of the dead and resurrection. The modelling of the face in the wood is superb, but the inlays also help mark this mask out as exceptional. Inlaid eyes and eyebrows were extremely rare and reserved to the finest and most expensive coffins. Traditionally, eyes were made of calcite, obsidian, or quartz, and eyebrows of coloured glass paste or bronze. Here, the pupils, eyebrows, and cosmetic lines are inlaid with Dalbergia melanoxylon, a rare type of wood which belongs to the rosewood genus. In antiquity, however, it was known as Ebony of the Pharaohs, from the Egyptian word “hbny”, meaning dark timber, because of its black, lustrous appearance. An extremely dense and hard wood requiring significant skill to work with, ebony was a luxury material highly coveted by the pharaohs themselves, to make furniture, decorative and funerary objects. The wood was imported with great effort from the southern Land of Punt, most likely modern Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Eritrea, alongside other luxury goods such as gold and ivory. A magnificent ebony throne, recovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamun, illustrates the incredible aesthetic potential of this material and why it was so highly valued by Egyptian royalty. Only élite members of Egyptian society could have afford- ed Ebony of the Pharaoh inlays for their funerary mask. The sclerae on the present piece were once both inlaid with hippopotamus ivory. Whiter than elephant ivory, this type of ivory is also denser, and more difficult to carve. The use of this luxury material, reputed for its gleaming appearance, enhances the lifelikeness of the eyes. For the Egyptians, hippopotamus ivory was imbued with magic powers. The hippopotamus was indeed both feared and venerated due to its aggressive behaviour. Whilst the male hippopotamus was associated with danger and chaos, the female was benevolent and invoked for protection, especially of the house and of mothers and their children, through the hippopotamus goddess Tawaret. Thus, not only was hippopotamus ivory used as an inlay and to make practical objects, such as combs and clappers, but it was also used to make talismans like apotropaic wands or knives. Made during a time of scarcity where few could afford made-to-order coffins, the present mask could have only belonged to one of the highest-ranking individuals in society. Undoubtedly one of the finest Egyptian coffin...

This Wood Sculpture of an Angel would likely is a masterpiece of religious art, reflecting the exuberance and drama characteristic of the Baroque period. Baroque art often sought to ...

A Fine Flemish Carved Figure of a Man Attributed to Henrick Douverman (c. 1480 - 1543) (sometimes known as Heinrich Douwermann) Wood (oak) Flemish Early 16th Century SIZE: 28cm high...

Important bas-relief in carved wood with traces of gilt, in an architectural frame with two angels in the corners, representing Saint Rocco. Considered, among other things, the Patro...

An 18th century Italian carved wood and gilded, sitting robed saint with glass eyes. One hand missing otherwise and very good condition, no shrinking cracks or losses to lacquer. Can...

An Unusual and Rare English ‘Memento Mori’ Carved Shrine with Two Human Skulls to the underside, a carved ‘Dragonfly’ Marble 16th / 17th Century England Size: 36cm high, 28cm w...

Splendid sculpture in white Carrara marble depicting a young Hercules holding the world. Originally, the work was conceived to be used as a caryatid at the beginning of a sumptuous m...

Beautiful weathered giltwood angelhead. France, circa 1700-1750 Weathered, several losses on the gilding and old repairs which suits its high age. Measurement here below inclusive th...

Beautiful Baroque angel-wing. Rare and very decorative item placed on a wooden base, Italy, circa 1750. Weathered. Measurement is inclusive the wooden base. H:27,5cm W:23cm D:5,5cm

Beautiful Baroque angel-wing. Rare and very decorative item placed on a wooden base, Italy, circa 1750. Weathered. Measurement is inclusive the wooden base. H:32,5cm W:22cm D:5,5cm

Stunning period piece. Baroque angel with candleholder. Beautiful weathered old gilding France, circa 1750. Weathered, old repairs and losses. H:41cm W:29cm D:11cm

Beautiful weathered oak panel depicting a baroque angel on an acanthus curl. Weathered and small losses, most likely it was once part of a larger panel. France circa 1750. treated ag...

A rare example of Memento Mori from Wunderkammer depicting a skull caged in a forged iron structure, with a chain for hanging. The sculpture is made of scagliola plaster with a high ...

A Pair of Chinese famille verte laughing twins 'HeHe Erxian' biscuit group, Kangxi (1662-1722), the two boys with jovial expressions and seated upon an openwork rock-base studded wit...

A Captive Soldier Gilt Bronze, Lost Wax Italie (Rome), 17th century H 17 x Dia 10 cm H 6 2/3 x Dia 4 inch The 17th century witnessed a flourishing of artistic expression across Eur...

Splendid bronze sculptural group depicting the rape of the Sabine women, made with the ancient lost wax technique. The drama of the scene is rendered with great mastery: in the cente...

Beautiful late 18th century marble stoup Copy of the stoup located in the Romanesque church of the first century AD. of San Clemente in Rome. Body wit...

This Buddha is called "nyoi-rin-kannon" in Japanese. It is a Buddha statue that grants wishes as you wish and removes suffering. This sitting figure with his hands on his cheeks show...

XVII secolo Rilievi raffiguranti papa Innocenzo XI e Pio V (2) Marmo, cm diametro 29 I due manufatti in esame, una rara coppia di tondi in marmo riferibili al XVII secolo, rappre...

Large Cast and Chiseled Bronze Plaque Saint Sebastian after the model by Guido Reni (Capitoline Museum) Rome, 17th century Large rectangular bronze plaque depicting the martyrdom of...

18th century Italian hand carved and painted wood Madonna statue depicts the virgin Mary in contemplative prayer, and poised in triumph over evil. Orig...

Wonderful small Hand carved winged angelhead with its original gilding. Italy, circa 1750 Weathered. Measurement here below inclusive the wooden base. H:14cm W:11,5cm D:7cm

Head of a crowned Virgin Île-de-France, first half of 14th century. H26 x 14 x 14 cm Provenance : - Private Collection, Paris France (1960) - Private Collection Tuscany, Italy (19...

Two Saints In Polychrome Wood, Portugal, 17th Century Size 1:1

18th Century Monumental Marble Sculpture Representing Neptune

18th Century Meissen Porcelain Figures, Turkish / Persian Lady & Gentleman. circa 1755 Both designed by Johann Joachim Kaendler, Rare and early examples of both models.

Beautiful Silvered Baroque angel-wing. Rare and very decorative item placed on a wooden base, Italy, circa 1750. Weathered. Measurement is inclusive the wooden base. H:27,5cm W:24cm...

Gorgeous hand-carved wooden lion with its original weathered gilding. France circa 1750 Weathered, small losses and old repair . Measurements include the wooden base. H:37,5cm W:28...

18th Century Meissen Porcelain Figurines, Pair of Gardeners. Model 1584. A couple of gardeners, designed by Johann Joachim Kaendler, with flowers and vegetable basket, sitting / s...

18th Century Meissen Porcelain Figure, Piedmontese bagpiper. Modelled by J.J. Kändler after an engraving by Jacques Dumont, wearing a black hat with brown feather, fur-lined white...

Beautiful and unique handcarved white marble winged double angel head ornament. Italy, circa 1750. Weathered . Measurement includes the wooden base. H:24cm W:23cm D:10cm

POLYCHROME CARVED WOOD VIRGIN AND CHILD FROM THE 15TH CENTURY   ORIGIN: SOUTH GERMANY, SWABIA, NUREMBERG REGION PERIOD: 15th CENTURY   Height: 94,6cm Width : 28 cm Depth : 18 cm   Lime wood Original Polychromy Good state of conservation     From 1430 onwards, sculpture underwent a profound stylistic renewal which continued until 1530, the so-called late Gothic period. In the Germanic countries, original sculptures flourished in an expressive and sensitive vein.
This renewal was inspired by the art of Nicholas of Leiden, who was active in Strasbourg in the 1460's. His style broke with the refined and delicate art of the international Gothic style in force throughout Europe around 1400. The figures became more authentic and realistic. The bodies became denser. Clothes are animated by deep, broken folds, the fabrics are heavy and have a great decorative value. In addition, the polychromy is intended to be illusionistic. The painting makes it possible to restore the texture of the materials, the richness of the textiles and the natural skin tone of the characters.   The dissemination of images through engraving and the great mobility of the artists led to the success of this style, which conquered the Upper Rhine, Swabian, Tyrolean and Franconian regions, contributing to the formation of a common stylistic identity in these regions. The economic boom in the flourishing German cities was conducive to the development of original production. Attracted by this prosperity, numerous workshops were set up in order to meet the orders of religious communities, the Church and the laity, including a clientele of middle-class rockers.      This precious Virgin and Child is depicted standing on a crescent moon, her head encircled by a crown of tall flowers. Her long wavy hair spreads over her shoulders, framing her beautiful oval face. Under fine eyebrows drawn with a brushstroke, her almond-shaped, slightly drooping eyes look at the Child with infinite softness. She is dressed in a long red dress with a rounded neckline, belted under the chest. The heavy fabric of her dress spreads out in broken folds at her feet. On her shoulders she wears a golden cloak. The drapery has deep folds. She holds out her right hand while she holds the Christ Child with her left.   Christ, with his well-defined hair, is naked. His cheeks are highlighted with red, he holds an apple in his left hand and with the other hand makes a sign of blessing towards the faithful.   Virgins with Child on a crescent moon were very popular in the second half of the 15th century, especially as the central subject of altarpieces in southern Germany and Austria. The crescent moon on which Mary is standing is reminiscent of the Woman of the Apocalypse. Often equated with the Virgin Mary.    This episode is taken from the Book of Revelation (12:1-6)   1 Then a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. ; 2 She was pregnant, and she cried out because she was in labor, in pain from giving birth. ; 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: it was a great fiery red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads. ; 4 His tail swept down a third of heaven's stars and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth so that when she gave birth, he might devour her child. ; 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child who is to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was snatched up to God and his throne. ; 6 Then the woman fled into the desert, where God has prepared a place for her. There she will be taken care of for one thousand two hundred sixty days.   Some theologians see in this woman a reference to the Virgin Mary and in the child, Jesus.    
This remarkable work is a very fine example of sculpture from Swabian workshops in the last decades of the 15th century. It presents all the characteristic stylistic elements: a highly girdled silhouette, an abundant drapery with angular folds, but also a great physical presence accentuated by the polychromy that restores the anatomical details. This group is made of a wooden log. The deep folds of the drapery highlight the movement of the Virgin holding the child.       Bibliography :   Sophie Guillot de Suduiraut, Dévotion et Séduction, Sculptures souabes des musées de France, vers 1460-1530, Paris musée du Louvre-Éditions somogy, 2015   “Revelation 12 -   Common English Bible...

Monumental sculpture representing the Venus Pudica (Medici-type) 18th Century Italian (Rome) White marble Based on a model from Antiquity, the Medici Venus, currently in the Uffizi ...

A superb relief-carved panel depicting the Maya Deity Itzamna, appearing as an Iguana, stretched out on a platform with long-toed limbs splayed

A pair of monumental limestone sphinxes of Pharaoh Nectanebo I, from the processional avenue of the Serapeum of Memphis, 30th Dynasty, circa 379 - 360 BC. The sphinxes of the Serapeum have captivated travellers since Roman times. However, despite their significance, they are conspicuously absent from the collections of most major museums. Indeed, their existence in private hands is so improbable, and their imitations so numerous, that the present sphinxes were assumed to be modern copies throughout their recent ownership history. Finally recognised and conserved after an extraordinary chance discovery at a garden furniture sale...

Beautiful carved wooden sculpture with traces of polychrome, depicting baby Jesus. Peculiarity in the eyes that are made of glass. Extremely refined is the carving. 18th century, so...

Plateau with two breasts, attribute of Saint Agatha Southern Italy, 17th century Polychrome and gilded wood 20 x 14,5 x 15 cm Born into a noble lineage, Agatha came into the world ...

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

This antique cherub figure was crafted in Italy, circa 1780. Hand carved, the putti carving is shown holding a bunch of grapes in his hands. The cherub is expressive in it's movement...

18th century Italian crucifix mounted on green malachite, calcite with fluorite, and raspberry garnet. The piece is adorned with Carnelian pebbles and garnet. The minerals are from a...

18th century Italian crucifix adorned with tourmaline and mounted on tourmaline in a crystal matrix from Brazil. The piece is put together by Jean O'Reilly Barlow, the artist and c...

18th century Italian silver and gold leaf crucifix adorned with baroque pearls and mounted on a mica cluster and a calcite crystal. The mica specimen is from the Great Smoky Mountain...