Brussels - Sculptures

Cercle of Jacopo della Pila (Lombard, in Naples 1471-1502) Marble relief depicting a winged Cherub Naples, second half of15th century 40 x 57 x 12 cm Exquisitely carved, this relief portrays a winged cherub with cascading hair and delicate features. The cherub's plump, smooth countenance, rounded cheeks, outlined lips, and finely drawn nose emanate a sense of tenderness. The quadrangular module, is adorned with a carved frame. The relief ascends gradually, transitioning from the low relief of the wings to the high relief of the head. The rectangular frame and the subtly curved form of the artwork suggest that the relief likely adorned the upper part of an arch or a vaulted chapel. The type is that of the perspective room with a coffered ceiling decorated with figures of winged cherubs, which is found in various Neapolitan chapels of the 15th century. Coffered ceilings attest to the recovery of antiquity and the search for luxury in Renaissance architecture, first in Florence, then in Rome and Naples. The majority of the numerous family chapels and tombs built during the late fifteenth century in south of Italy employ the new formal vocabulary of the Florentine Renaissance in a self-confident manner that permitted a broad spectrum of variations. The escalating admiration for the classical world, coupled with the development of perspective, significantly contributed to the Renaissance endorsement of coffered ceilings. This artistic and constructive device drew inspiration from the intricate marble patterns observed in historical landmarks such as the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, the Pantheon, and the Basilica of Maxentius. A distilled product of both mathematical and artistic cultures, deeply scrutinizing the ancient world, the coffered ceiling plays a vital role in the perspective construction of space with its regular and directional geometry. The motif of the coffered ceiling decorated with cherubs in relief was introduced in Naples by Francesco Laurana in the plastic decoration of the Arch of Castelnuovo. Laurana's impact on the art scene in the south of Italy was profound. The introduction of the winged cherub into the region's artistic vocabulary bridged the gap between the classical and the contemporary, creating a synthesis that resonated with both aesthetic and spiritual sensibilities. His influence extended beyond the immediate visual appeal, shaping the cultural identity of the Renaissance in southern Italy. Although the plastic decoration of the Arch of Castelnuovo cannot certainly be ascribed to a mature Renaissance style, it was precisely on this occasion that the sculptors who worked there could get to know and export throughout the Italian peninsula that type of "Florentine classicism" which, even in the 15th century Naples, was conditioned by the Burgundian culture imported into the Kingdom by Alfonso of Aragon himself, with artists called from Spain and Northern Europe. The coffered ceiling, with its geometric patterns and Laurana's winged cherubs nestled within, became a symbol of refinement and cultural sophistication. The relief sculptures, carefully integrated into the overall design, transformed the ceiling into a celestial realm, inviting viewers to contemplate the divine while immersed in the grandeur of the Renaissance space. Similar winged cherubs appears also in the Naples cathedral. Within the renowned Succorpo Chapel, a mesmerizing marble coffered ceiling adorned with cherubs epitomizes the splendor of the Neapolitan Renaissance. The interplay of light and shadow on the textured surface of the marble coffered ceiling introduces an ethereal dimension, providing an immersive visual experience for observers. The geometric precision and the repeated patterns, reminiscent of classical motifs, establish a sense of harmony and balance that has become the hallmark of the Neapolitan interpretation of Florentine Renaissance aesthetics. Although probably intended to be admired from a distance, this cherub is intricately detailed and exquisitely rendered: the face and hair are elegantly outlined and the feathers are textured through juxtaposed lines. The marble, both figurative and decorative, adheres to the principles of balance and restrained ornamentation typical of the « Florentine Classicism ». Harmonious shapes and gracefully orchestrated curves , rooted in the classical repertoire, converge to evoke a sense of ethereal beauty. The surface displays the masterful use of a chisel to intricately carve the feathers and facial features, creating an almost abstract quality. This work is a testament to a sculptor of great skill and rich figurative knowledge, seamlessly blending classical firmness in contours with a refined treatment of the marble's surface. The combination of tradition and innovation point to a stylistic idiom from Lombardy, in particular we can find some comparaisons with the works of Jacopo della Pila, sculptor of Lombard origin working in Naples in the second half of the 15th century. He is documented there between 1471 and 1502, and is a protagonist of the Aragon Renaissance in the second half of the Quattrocento, together with the other great Northern sculptor active in the kingdom, Domenico Gagini. the first commission he received dates back to August 9, 1471, when Jacopo publicly committed to sculpting the funerary monument of Archbishop Nicola Piscicelli to be placed in the Cathedral of Salerno. The last known work is an altar ordered on July 29, 1502, by the noble Jacopo Rocco for the church of San Lorenzo Maggiore in Naples. Between these two chronological extremes (1471-1502), we must place the fervent activity of the artist, who had trained in Rome, perhaps under the guidance of Paolo Romano but also engaged in dialogue with other major artists of the city, especially Isaia da Pisa. He enriched his experience in Naples, initially drawing inspiration from the works of Domenico Gagini and later from the Tuscan masterpieces of Antonio Rossellino and Benedetto da Maiano destined for the church of Santa Maria di Monteoliveto. Jacopo della Pila's artistic personality is thus based on a complex interplay of influences, contributing to the definition of a highly personal style. Close comparaison can be made between our cherub and the winged angels reliefs...

Elegant carved wooden horse from the 19th century in polychrome wood from England Very beautiful movement which has a lot of charm Beautiful patina The dimensions include the bo...

Venini Egg by Ludovico Diaz De Santillana, Italy, 1960s

Pair of Bronze Leopards, 1930s Hollow inside

Heavy resin skull, nickel -plated. Signed and dated Y.D.89 at the base.

Nice set of seven decorative polyhedrons. Polished gold bronze, circa 1970, France. Dimensions: from 5 to 12 cm. A very decorative set in good original condition. All purchases are c...

Group of altarpiece representing the life of a Saint, Saint Renualde? Engraved by the sign of Antwerp hand on the hat of the central character Carved oak, traces of polychromy Fir...

Fratelli Brambilla is the manufacture which produced the vase designed by Angelo Mangiarotti in the 1960s. The shape is irregular, free. See mark and old sticker.

lovely pair of Saint Mark in walnut from the 16th century - Venice Very beautiful pair finely carved representing Saint Mark with a book in his hand a lion at his side This is a pen...

Victor Joseph Ghislain Demanet (1895-1964) "The Hammerer". We are delighted to present a work of rare emotional and technical power: "The Hammerer" by Victor Joseph Ghislain Demanet...

Sculpture "Mother and child" by Marthe Donas, Plaster, 1910s

Mid-Century Murano glass horse with original silver foil label attributed to Archimede Seguso circa 1960s. Smoked grey glass, delicately formed and in excellent vintage condition. No...

Cav. F. Palla, Marble Sculpture "Vénus Accroupie", Italy, 19th

Unusual piece of art showing a puzzle head Hand made carved wood Circa 1970's

small bronze sculpture, by "L'Art du bronze"

Ceramic Jaguar from Italy, stamped under the base. circa's 1960 in perfect condition.

Mid-Century Modern Bronze Sculpture

niche in gilded wood from the 17th century from Italy Lovely niche with a carved wood in its center from the Italian Renaissance Beautiful original gild wood Dimensions excluding ba...

Flint VIII Sculpture by Pol Quadens Unique Piece. Dimensions: Ø 20 x H 40 cm. Materials: Polished stainless steel. Dimensions may vary. Please contact us. Pol Quadens was born in ...

Contemporary bronze sculpture by Boschetti, Italy.

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...

Followers of Jean de la Huerta, Jean de Blany ? Saint Jerome Limestone Burgundy, second half of the15th century 60,5 cm ALR Ref : S00248050 This exquisite sculpture of Saint Jerome, carved from soft, nearly white limestone typical of eastern France, exemplifies the exceptional craftsmanship of 15th-century Burgundian art. The figure of Saint Jerome, a key figure in Christian history renowned for translating the Bible into Latin, is depicted wearing a cardinal’s hat and holding the Vulgate Bible...

Rare pair of monks from the 18th century-Ayutthaya-Thailand Superb pair of large lacquered and gilt bronze monks very beautiful face and expression ...

Midcentury Sculpture signed Émile Gilioli, numbered 2/5, France, 1950s.

Flint X Sculpture by Pol Quadens Unique Piece. Dimensions: Ø 20 x H 110 cm. Materials: Polished stainless steel. Dimensions may vary. Please contact us. Pol Quadens was born in Br...

Bear ceramic by Knud Kyhn, Denmark, 1950s.

Bronze Sculpture " Cowboy on his horse" by Paul Sersté, Belgium

Flint IX Sculpture by Pol Quadens Unique Piece. Dimensions: Ø 10 x H 40 cm. Materials: Polished stainless steel. Dimensions may vary. Please contact us. Pol Quadens was born in Br...

Let's open the doors of our imagination to Wodan, a five-part screen with respectable dimensions (360cm x 200cm). Instigated by Claude André, the director of his own homonym gallery,...

Very elegant sculpture reprenting a Putti (angel) from the German renaissance period -16 century Rare sculpture in walnut of great quality with a very beau...

This French Earth globe, attributed to Jacques Adnet, is a stunning decorative piece that blends artistry with craftsmanship. Made of plaster with raised polychrome decoration, it fe...

Marble nautilus shell sculpture, signed.

Lovely carved wood representing the mystic lamb on the book with the seven seals in gilded wood beautiful quality of carving good condition, France 18th century.

ravissant angelot en bois sculpté du 18° siècle d'époque Louis XV anciennes traces de polychromies qui lui donnent beaucoup de charme

Bronze salamander Italy, 17th century Patinated bronze 4 x 17 x 10 cm This finely cast bronze salamander exemplifies the 17th-century fascination with naturalistic forms and animal ...

Rare and Large Imperial Black Porphyry architectural fragment partially polished, 23,5 x 15 x 12 cm Porfido Nero is a rare Black Variety of Imperial Porphyry from Gebel Dokhan (th...

Christ from the 18th century in oak -France Very fine work of good quality Beautiful patina and in perfect condition.

AFTER A MODEL BY GIAMBOLOGNA (1529–1608)
 Pacing Bull
17th century
 Bronze, on an ebonised wood base H totale 15 x L 11,5 x P 8,2 cm Since antiquity, the bull has been venerated as ...

Elegant fragment in porfido Serpentino Antico 19,5 x 18 x 12 cm This beautiful fragment can be used as a base made of rare marble, ideal for displaying ancient or modern objects and...

Two bases in rare Breccia Africano and Granito Nero Cylinder in Breccia Africano H 12.5 × D 7 cm Cylinder in Granito Nero H 6 × D 9 cm These two cylindrical bases made of rare marb...

Small reclining lion in finely chased bronze Italy, 15th century Traces of gilding H 4,8 x L 6 x P 2 cm Delicately worked bronze depicting a lion in repose, characteristic of early ...

Corbel with an Angel Holding a Shield
Franco-Flemish, Burgundian Netherlands 15th century
Limestone On a modern metal stand H 21 x L 16,5 x P 18,5 cm This finely carved stone corbel,...

Aquilla vase by Cosmin Florea Unique piece Dimensions: W14 x D 30 x H 66 cm Materials: Stoneware Please note that this item is handmade and therefore unique; variations are to ...

Midcentury Bronze Flower Sculpture signed Michel Zadounaïsky, France, 1989.

Carlo Marcellini (Florence 1644 – 1713) Putto White and green marble 41.5 x 73.5 cm This marble putto carved in high relief, almost a tutto tondo, and set on an elegant green marble background, appears almost naked, sitting on a cloud. His peculiar pose, in adoration, suggests that the work was a part of a larger composition including other figures in devotion. Published in 2007 by Sandro Bellesi in the monograph dedicated to Gioacchino Fortini (pg.155), this beautiful marble putto was included in the catalog of Carlo Marcellini, a prominent figure in the baroque renewal of Florentine art. Born in Florence in 1644, Carlo Marcellini received his artistic education in the city of the lily, specializing in stone sculpture and stucco modeling under the guidance of Bartolomeo Cennini before continuing his studies in Rome in the Accademia Medicea founded by the Grand Duke Cosimo III in order to familiarize some more promising artists with the essential “ taste of Rome ”. Under the guidance of Ercole Ferrata and Ciro Ferri, Giovan Battista Foggini...

Mid-Century Helio Rodrigues Sculpture, Brazil

Large base of molded hexagonal pilaster in burgundy stone carved with vines, grapes and rosettes in high relief. Burgundy, 15th century 28 x 63 x 30 cm Provenance : collection De...

Set of 4 elephants by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s.

Very nice Murano sculpture Signed Perfect condition.

Cercle of Romano Alberti, dit Il Nero da Sansepolcro ( San Sepolcro, 1521-1568 ) Page Mixed media : wood core, papier mâché, stucco, polychrome and gilded Italy, around 1530-154...

Huge sculptures from 1970's Can be sold one by one

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...

Sculptural Piece by Karystios Dimensions: D 46 x h 15 cm Materials: Concrete (with reinforcing rods), marble and stone debris. The sculptural piece studies debris in a paradoxic...

Butter plate by Marta Bonilla Dimensions: D9 x H9 cm Materials: Metal Butter plate: Piece modelled by hand, enamelled with matte white enamel and de...

Collis vase by Cosmin Florea. Unique piece. Dimensions: W 29 x D 30 x H 21 cm. Material: stoneware. Please note that this item is handmade and therefore unique; variations are ...

Marble bowl "Paros L" by Enzo Mari, 1964.

Iron Sculpture By Robert Michiels, Belgium, 1960s

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...