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18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

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Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Set of 31 Dutch Books by Poet J. Van Den Vondel
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A collection of thirty-one antique books about the life and works of Joost Van Den Vondel, a Dutch playwright, poet, and literary translator. This set of books are bound in leather w...
Category

Dutch Other Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Set of 13 Books by German Novelist Jean Paul
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A collection of thirteen volumes by the German novelist, Jean Paul; titled Jean Paul’s Werke from 1783-1822. This set of books are bound in pressed fabric with gold lettering. Inside...
Category

German Other Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric, Paper

18th/19th Century Spanish Colonial Carved Painted Wooden Santo Altar Figure
Located in Forney, TX
A lovely antique Spanish Colonial hand carved and painted wood santo altar figure - religious folk art sculpture. 18th/19th century, possibly earlier, most likely depicting Saint F...
Category

Spanish Colonial Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Antique Miniature Stoof Delftware Dutch Piece for a Doll House Rare, 18th Cen
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Unusual Miniature Stoof, Delftware Dutch Piece For a Doll House. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Color: Blue & White Region of Origin: Europe Period: 18th cent...
Category

European Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Porcelain

The Valley of Inspruck: An 18th-Century Engraved Perspective, 1792
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: "The Valley of Inspruck: An 18th-Century Engraved Perspective" This elegant original antique engraving, titled "The Valley of Inspruck," showcases a serene view of the Innsbruck Valley. The artwork is delicately rendered, capturing the grandeur of the mountains and the pastoral tranquility of the valley. The print depicts a detailed landscape scene, replete with towering craggy peaks that loom over a peaceful settlement nestled in the valley. A striking feature is the contrast between the ruggedness of the natural environment and the cultivated lands and architecture, indicating a harmonious coexistence of humanity with nature. It was published as directed on January 1, 1792, by T & G Egerton of Whitehall for the author. Albanis Beaumont is credited with the original design ('Del.' for delineavit, indicating he drew the initial illustration), and Cornelis Apostool is noted for the engraving work ('Sculp.' for sculpsit, indicating he engraved the image). The publication of this print during the late 18th century aligns with a time when there was a heightened interest in natural beauty and the picturesque, reflected in the art and literature of the Romantic period. This print would have appealed to those with an appreciation for both the aesthetic and the sublime qualities of the European landscape. The publication by T & G Egerton, a reputable firm known for their work in the arts, and the involvement of a skilled artist and engraver like Beaumont and Apostool, respectively, underline the quality and desirability of the print. It is a piece that would attract collectors of fine engravings and admirers of European landscapes, offering a window into the aesthetic values and artistic endeavors of the late 18th century. As a historical piece, this print offers a view into the past, inviting contemplation of the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Innsbruck area. It is a valuable collectible for enthusiasts of antique maps and prints...
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg, 1595: A Renaissance Cartographic Masterpiece
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: "Braunschweig and Lüneburg Duchies: Authentic Depiction by Abraham Ortelius" This is an exquisite example of Abraham Ortelius’s cartographic craftsmanship: an original antiqu...
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Gilpin, Wm: Observations... on Great Britain, and High-Lands of Scotland, 2 vols
Located in Middletown, NY
This is Gilpin's third in his series of works tracing picturesque beauty in British natural landscapes. In it he portrays the landscapes of Scottish Highlands, and describes them lyrically in his text. Prefacing the list of Prints at the end of the second volume, the author says "With regards to the prints, which adorn these volumes, I can only say..... that few of them pretend to be 'exact portraits.' They in general 'only characterize the countries,' through which the reader is carried." The illustrations, based on Gilpin's sketches, were etched by his nephew William Sawrey Gilpin using the newly invented aquatint process. This volume also includes a technical discourse about drawing and the mixing of colors, including a chart (vol. 1, p. 131-134) William Gilpin (1724 – 1804) was an English artist, Church of England cleric, schoolmaster and author. He is best known as a travel writer and as one of those who originated the idea of the picturesque. Gilpin's tour journals circulated in manuscript to friends such as the poet William Mason and a wider circle including Thomas Gray...
Category

English Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Corpus Christi. Wood. Flemish school, Malines, 16th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Crucified Christ. Polychrome wood. Flemish school, Mechelen, 16th century. It has faults. Polychrome wood carving that shows the deceased Christ (eyes closed and head fallen) on th...
Category

Belgian Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Corpus Christi. Wood. 16th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Christ crucified. Carved wood. Century XVI. Crucified Christ made of carved wood that does not present a Cross of Thorns but does have a short and tight perizonium, with numerous fo...
Category

European Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Samuel Johnson — A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland
Located in Middletown, NY
London: W. Strahan and T. Cadwell, 1775. FIRST EDITION, FIRST STATE 8vo, 8 3/8 x 5 1/4 (212 x 132 mm); Title, 284 pp, 1 leaf (errata with 11 items on 12 lines). Printed on laid pap...
Category

English Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Corpus Christi. Carved wood. 16th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Christ crucified. Carved wood. Century XVI. It has faults. Carving made of wood in its color that shows Christ Crucified, already deceased (eyes closed, head fallen), with an anato...
Category

European Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Child Jesus Savior of the World. Wood. Flemish school, 16th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Child Jesus. Carved and polychrome wood. Flemish school, towards the first half of the 16th century. Presents restorations. Baby Jesus with polygonal base made of carved and polych...
Category

Belgian Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Elaborately Carved Antique Beggar's Bowl Kashkul
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine Kashkul carved from half of the giant nutshell of Coco-de-mer likely from Persian Qajar Dynasty circa 18-19th century. Kashkul is a container known as the beggar's bowl, carri...
Category

Persian Islamic Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Shamshir Saber 18th Century Gold, Horn, Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Shamshir Saber Turquey Made of 18-karat gold. Handle garnished of blond horn, All part made of gold. In the middle of the guard, a star inlaid of ruby and diamonds. Dimensions Wh...
Category

Turkish Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Metal, Gold

Child Jesus Savior of the World. Wood. Flemish school, 16th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Child Jesus. Carved and polychrome wood. Flemish school, towards the first half of the 16th century. Baby Jesus with polygonal base made of carved and polychrome wood. The figure is...
Category

Belgian Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Monumental Pair of Medieval Antique Italian Church Armorial Shields
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent pair of large one-of-a-kind medieval Italian armorial shield church architectural elements. Dating to around the late 15th century, hand-crafted in Italy, most impressive size, standing over 6-feet tall, bow front shaped shield form, polychrome painted Memento Mori - The Wars of the...
Category

Italian Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Japanese Statue of Datsue-ba or Shozuka No Baba, circa 14th Century
Located in Prahran, Victoria
Japanese statue of Datsue-ba also known as Shozuka no Baba, Kamakura- Muromachi period. Antique Japanese statue of Datsue-ba or Shozuka no B...
Category

Japanese Other Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Cypress

Colored wall map of the WORLD
By Chambon
Located in ZWIJNDRECHT, NL
“Mappe Monde, contenant les Parties Connues du Globe Terrestre” CHAMBON, Gobert-Denis (France, 17.. - 1781) Paris, Longchamps et Janvier, 1754 Size H. 115 x W. 145 cm. Gobert-Denis Chambon made copper engraving after the work of Guillaume De L’Isle, published in 1754 by Jean Janvier and S.G. Longschamps. A huge wall map of the world in two hemispheres printed on two sheets, depicting the Eastern and Western hemispheres supported by two male figures, decorated at the bottom right and left with two celestial hemispheres (boreal and southern) and at the bottom in the middle with an armillary sphere, in addition. This map is most notable for its depiction of the Sea of Japan labeled "Mer de Corée" and of "Mer de L'Ouest" or Sea of the West - a great sea, easily the size of the Mediterranean, to flow from the then-known Strait of Juan de Fuca...
Category

French French Provincial Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

Child Jesus Savior of the World. Wood. Flemish school, 16th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Child Jesus. Carved and polychrome wood. Flemish school, towards the first half of the 16th century. Baby Jesus with polygonal base made of carved and polychrome wood. The figure is...
Category

Belgian Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Seminal guide to the East and West Indies, with 42 coloured maps and plates
Located in ZWIJNDRECHT, NL
Seminal guide to the East and West Indies, with 42 double-page and folding plates, including 6 maps, all engravings beautifully coloured by a contemporary hand LINSCHOTEN, Jan Huygh...
Category

Dutch Dutch Colonial Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

James Paine – Plans, Elevations and Section of Noblemen and Gentlemen's Houses
Located in Middletown, NY
A fine FIRST EDITION ELEPHANT FOLIO of Jame's Paine monumental work: Plans, Elevations and Section of Noblemen and Gentlemen's Houses, and also of Stabling, Bridges, Public and Priv...
Category

English Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Saint or Virgin to dress. Wood, metal. Spanish school, 17th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Saint or Virgin to dress. Wood, metal. Spanish school, 17th century. It has faults. The female figure stands (with her right leg forward) on a small polygonal base. Made of partial...
Category

Spanish Baroque Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Other

Petrarch — Phisicke against Fortune
Located in Middletown, NY
Petrarch (Francesco Petrarca). Thomas Twyne, translator. Phisicke against Fortune, as well prosperous, as adverse, contained in two Bookes [History of Gain and Fortune] London: Ric...
Category

English Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Child Jesus Savior of the World. Wood. Flemish school, 16th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Child Jesus. Carved and polychrome wood. Flemish school, towards the first half of the 16th century. Baby Jesus with polygonal base made of carved and polychrome wood. The figure is...
Category

Belgian Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Joseph GLANVILL. The Vanity of Dogmatizing. FIRST EDITION - 1661 - HIS 1st BOOK!
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: GLANVILL, Joseph. TITLE: The Vanity of Dogmatizing: Or Confidence in Opinions Manifested in a Discourse of the Shortness and Uncertainty of Our Knowledge, and Its Causes, w...
Category

British Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Disegno del Doni; Partito in più ragionamenti, ..scoltura e pittura
Located in Middletown, NY
FIRST and ONLY EDITION Doni, Anton Francesco Disegno del Doni; Partito in più ragionamenti, ne quali si tratta della scoltura et pittura .... Venice: Gabriel Giolito Di Ferrari, 15...
Category

English Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

HOWARD, Sir Robert. The History Of The Reigns Of Edward and Richard II. (1690)
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: HOWARD, Sir Robert. TITLE: The History Of The Reigns Of Edward and Richard II. PUBLISHER: London: by F. Collins, for Thomas Fox, 1690. DESCRIPTION: 1 vol., 7-3/16" x 4-9/...
Category

British Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Child Jesus Savior of the World. Wood. Flemish school, 16th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Child Jesus. Carved and polychrome wood. Flemish school, towards the first half of the 16th century. Baby Jesus with polygonal base made of carved and polychrome wood. The figure is...
Category

Belgian Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

18th Century Pearl and Murano Glass Bead Altar Palmetti and Urn
Located in Hastings, GB
A stunning late 18th century Italian altar palmetti, hand crafted flowers made from tens of thousands of individual murano glass beads and simulated pearls, woven together to form a ...
Category

Italian Rococo Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Murano Glass, Wood

1616 Bertius Map of Sumatra, Singapore and the Straits of Malacca
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: "1616 Bertius Map of Sumatra and the Straits of Malacca" Description: This is an exquisite 1616 original antique map by Petrus Bertius, titled "Sumatra Insula," showcasing Su...
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Christ On The Cross, Crucifix In Wood And Red Tortoiseshell
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Christ on the cross, Wooden and red tortoiseshell crucifix, silver, Antwerp hallmarks Dimensions of the Christ : 19 x 14,5 cm
Category

European Louis XIII Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

18th century Set Hand Colored Nautical Engravings
By M. Ogier
Located in Savannah, GA
Signed M. Ogier (Fecit:by), this set of four hand colored engravings is part of a larger edition of plates. These plates are numbered PL 16, 347, 365 and 386. The subject is probably...
Category

Unknown Elizabethan Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

18th Century Wood and Gesso Altar Vase
Located in Hastings, GB
A hand-crafted wood and applied gesso altar vase, late 18th century with gilt and green banding decoration. Small areas of loss to the gesso and wear to the paint commensurate with ...
Category

German Rococo Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gesso, Wood

Polychromed wood Corpus Christi. Flemish school, Malines, 16th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Crucified Christ. Polychrome wood. Flemish school, Mechelen, 16th century. It has faults. Polychrome wood carving that shows the deceased Christ (eyes closed and head fallen) on th...
Category

Belgian Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

(NIVARDUS) - The Crafty Courtier: Or the fable of Reinard the Fox - 1706
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: [NIVARDUS, Hartmann Schopper]. TITLE: The Crafty Courtier: Or the fable of Reinard the Fox: Newly done into English Verse, from the Antient Latin Iambics of Hartm. Schopper...
Category

British Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Child Jesus Savior of the World. Wood. Flemish school, 16th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Child Jesus. Carved and polychrome wood. Flemish school, towards the first half of the 16th century. Restorations. Baby Jesus with polygonal base made of carved and polychrome wood...
Category

Belgian Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Child Jesus Savior of the World. Wood. Flemish school, 16th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Niño Jesús. Madera tallada y policromada. Escuela flamenca, hacia primera mitad del siglo XVI. Niño Jesús con peana poligonal bajo cojín rojo con borlas realizados en madera tallada...
Category

Belgian Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

The Rules & Order of Cockfighting On Parchment With Seal Dated 1757 Curio
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A wonderful display of late 18th, early 19th century cock fighting paraphernalia with silver spurs, feathers and a cockfighting hood. Along with the paraphernalia there is also a ma...
Category

English Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

GEORGE II's PRAYER BOOK FROM THE ROYAL CHAPEL - 1745 - Book of Common Prayer
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: COMMON PRAYER. TITLE: The Book of Common Prayer: And Administration of the Sacraments: And Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church of England: Together With the Psalter, o...
Category

British Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

1720 Panoramic Vista of Istanbul and the Bosphorus - with Column of Pompey
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: "1701-1720 Bosphore de Thrace and Views of Istanbul - Chatelain/Guedeville" Description: This finely detailed folio from Chatelain's 'Atlas Historique', dated 1720, features ...
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Niche. Carved and polychrome wood. 16th century
Located in Madrid, ES
Niche. Carved and polychrome wood. Century XVI. Wall niche with a rectangular front opening topped by a venerated shape finished in gold with two polychrome angel heads in the corne...
Category

European Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Ptolemy III Bronze Double-Sided Coin 94.5 gr
Located in Newmanstown, PA
This is one of the largest ancient coins ever. Very rare and hard to find. It is in an excellent condition with a lot of details showing. The coin is about 44.5 millimeters wide and ...
Category

Egyptian Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Persian Agate Pendant with Sapphires
Located in Newmanstown, PA
This exceptional large agate Persian/Islamic piece is surrounded by 48 pieces of sapphire. The calligraphy and the design is very skillful and beautiful. The size is 45mm x 51mm x 9....
Category

Persian Islamic Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Agate

Child Jesus Savior of the World. Wood. Flemish school, 16th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Child Jesus. Carved and polychrome wood. Flemish school, towards the first half of the 16th century. Restorations. Baby Jesus with polygonal base made of carved and polychrome wood...
Category

Belgian Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Virgin Mary (dress-up). Wood, etc. Spanish school, 17th century and later.
Located in Madrid, ES
Virgin of Dress. Carved and polychrome wood, etc. Spanish school, 17th century; later clothing. Has damage. Polychrome wood carving of the type of dress or dress that has a series ...
Category

Spanish Baroque Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Christ Child blessing. Wood. Mechelen, 16th century with restorations.
Located in Madrid, ES
Baby Jesus on pedestal. Polychrome wood. Mechelen, 16th century, with restorations. Carved and polychrome wooden Child Jesus standing on a pedestal of the same material, standing, a...
Category

Belgian Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Child Jesus. Carved and polychrome wood. Flemish school, 16th century
Located in Madrid, ES
Child Jesus. Carved and polychrome wood. Flemish school, towards the first half of the 16th century. Baby Jesus with polygonal base made of carved and polychrome wood. The figure is...
Category

Belgian Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Rare English Sheffield wick trimmer with wick collection box, c. 1790
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Rare Sheffield wick trimmer fitted with a hall marked steel wick trimmer blade. The finger loops, wick box, and wax pick are decorated with scollop shell elements. The trimmer is rai...
Category

British Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Old 18th Century Composite Map of Key Caribbean Islands with Descriptive Texts
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Dominia Anglorum in praecipuis Insulis Americae ut sunt Insula S. Christophori, Antegoa, Iamaica, Barbados nec non Insulae Bermudes vel Sommers dictae. Die Englis...
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Child Jesus Savior of the World. Wood. Flemish school, 16th century and later.
Located in Madrid, ES
Child Jesus. Carved and polychrome wood. towards the first half of the 16th century. Later adaptations probably in the 18th century Baby Jesus with polygonal base made of carved and...
Category

Belgian Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Original Antique Map of the Island of Dominica in the West Indies, 1794
Located in Langweer, NL
MAP OF THE ISLAND OF DOMINICA for the History of the West Indies, by Bryan Edwards. Esq. Dominica, an island renowned for its lucrative exports of sugar, cocoa, and coffee, operated...
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

OUR LADY OF CONCEPTION Indo-Portuguese Sculpture 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
OUR LADY OF CONCEPTION Indo-Portuguese Sculpture 18th Century in polychrome wood with the head and hands in iv... Our Lady is represented standing with hands folded in prayer, on a ...
Category

Portuguese Other Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

18th Century Spanish Colonial Bronze and Steel Spur
Located in Stamford, CT
18th century Spanish Colonial bronze spur with a steel blade now made into a trinket dish or ashtray. The beautifully crafted spur with raised floral design and a fierce griffin or d...
Category

Mexican Spanish Colonial Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Italian 17th Century Mannequin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very beautiful 17th century articulating Mannequin from the Veneto region of Italy. Beautifully carved from polychromed wood with very handsome features. Mannequins such as this ...
Category

Italian Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Child Jesus Savior of the World. Wood. Flemish school, 16th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Child Jesus. Carved and polychrome wood. Flemish school, towards the first half of the 16th century. Restorations. Baby Jesus with polygonal base made of carved and polychrome wood...
Category

Belgian Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Child Jesus. Carved and polychrome wood. Flemish school, ca first half 16th c.
Located in Madrid, ES
Child Jesus. Carved and polychrome wood. Flemish school, towards the first half of the 16th century. Baby Jesus with polygonal base made of carved and polychrome wood. The figure is...
Category

Belgian Renaissance Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Rare Aztec Colonial Polychromed Wood Sculpture! Holy Imagene Bultos Santos Icons
Located in Peoria, AZ
MUSEUM PERFECTION ! AZTEC INFLUENCED LATIN AMERICAN COLONIAL ART AMAZINGLY RARE PIECE ! Approx. 14" x 8" x 2 1/2" After Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec empire, painting and sculpture schools were set up within missions to produce art for Roman Catholic worship in Spanish America to promote Christian evangelization. The works that emerge from this period are great historic treasures and tell us much about this time in history. Icons were important in this conversion process. Here is an Imagene that was likely employed in a church from the 17th century. It features 5 elaborately carved faces and figures depicting angels and saints. This piece is magnificent for many reasons, but the most important reason is that this piece illustrates the bridge between the Spanish and Aztec art schools. The Aztecs had developed the most splendid feather art in the world. Feather mosaics (arte plumario in Spanish, amantecayotl in Nahuatl), were created by specially trained and talented Aztec nobles. The blue green iridescent color of hummingbird feathers had made them a regular form of tribute to Aztec rulers and art that featured these feathers were incomparable. The Spanish art instructors adopted feathers into traditional Catholic imagery and this piece shows the result of such hybrid. Here feathers are prominently sculpted into the background and were polychromed with sensational hues to reflect the native love and cultural appreciation for feather art. Few feather mosaics survive because of their temporal frailty, but the wood worked feathers in this piece give scholars and collectors a lasting indication of how Aztecs stylistically used the feathers in their pieces. Aztec religious leaders wore headdresses and garments made of feathers - and here these saints appear to be wearing feather headdresses! Even after centuries, the colors of this piece are incredibly compelling. Fragments of the rich blue green pigment that was applied to mimic the hummingbird feathers are still present. The golds, yellows and browns display spectacular understanding of complementary colors. What's more this piece also shows Aztec sun imagery incorporated into the design! On the reverse side of the Saints' faces we see a vivid blue sun burst type design which clearly was an Aztec motif of the period and has no comparable counterpart in Catholic holy treasures...
Category

Mexican Spanish Colonial Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Authentic Old Map of Persia with Original Border Coloring, 1745
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: "Kaartje van Persien na de stelling van den Heer Guillaume de L'Isle" Translates to "Map of Persia based on the work of Mr. Guillaume de L'Isle." Guillaume de L'Isle was a p...
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

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