Europe

16th century French Gothic Period fireback with two pillars of Hercules and a pediment. The pillar refers to the club of Hercules, his favorite weapon. It symbolizes power. Since an...

Albrecht Dürer 16th Century Old Master Engraving The Sudarium Of Saint Veronica Good condition overall, framed and mounted under protective glass....

Portapaz. Silver in its color and gilded. Century XVI. Portapaz made of silver that has a handle (decorated with delicate plant motifs similar to those of the pilasters) and a female and a male bust at the bottom, as well as other architectural elements on the back, and, on the front, an architectural composition classicist basement (with busts flanking a flower and a cross), two pilasters (vegetal decoration and capital recalling the composite order) with entablature (flowers flanking an angel's head; moldings), and a semicircular arch finish with elements veined in relief under cross and flanked by two architectural motifs in the upper part. This composition frames and enhances a gilt silver relief where you can see the Lament or Cry over the Body of Christ, with the Virgin holding the head of Jesus, Saint John at her side, the Magdalene and other characters, a cross following the group and a landscape background with houses and plant elements. This architectural structure mentioned is similar to the one present in other 16th century portapaces, such as that of the Magdalena de Dos Hermanas parish (Hernando de Ballesteros el Mozo, around 1575); or that of the Galaroza parish (same author and date); or that of the portapaz of San Miguel de Jerez de los Caballeros (in some details); etc. As for the relief, it is possible to clearly see a strong Italian influence, and the similarity between it and important pieces such as the Portapaz known as “de Cisneros by Juan de Burgos (1493-1497; MuseoCatedralicio de Alcalá de Henares), as well as in paintings and reliefs. Also noteworthy are both the male and female busts in the lower area and the Maltese cross (or Saint John's) that appears in this area. This symbol was used since the 12th century as an insignia by the Knights Hospitallers of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, also known as the Order of Malta...

Study after the Farnese Hercules Giovan Ambrogio Figino (1548-1608) Black chalk on blue-prepared paper 33 x 23 cm Provenance: Tajan, Drouot Paris, 23 November 2001, lot 11; Private ...

Antique map titled 'Westmorlandia, Lancastria, Caernvan, Denbigh, Flint, Merionidh, Dalopia cum issulis Mania et Anglesey'. Original antique map of England...

Antique portrait of William of Orange I. With text in oval 'tranquillus in undis saevis'. Latin text below: 'Guihelmus D:G: Princeps Arausionensum; comes Nassavia, Cattimelibocii, Vianda, Dietzia, Linga, Buyra Leerdami; etc. Marchio Vera et Flissinga; dominus et baro Breda, Diest, Grimbergia, Arlay, Noseretti, Castelbellin; etc. vice comes hereditarius Antverpia et Bisancia Gubernator generalis Brabantia Hollandia Zelandia Frisia Ultrajecti Arcdithalassus maris inferioris Germania: quam celeberimi Pr: effigiem a Cornelio Vischero ad visum depictam et Guilismo Jacobi Delphio coelo hac forma expressam dedicat consecratq ipse sculptor DD: principibus Mauritio et Henrico filijs paternarum virtutum heredibus. Cum privilegio illus tr: DD : Ordinum gener. ad annos octo An. Dom'. William the Silent (24 April 1533 – 10 July 1584), also known as William the Taciturn or, more commonly in the Netherlands, William of Orange, was the main leader of the Dutch Revolt against the Spanish Habsburgs that set off the Eighty Years' War (1568–1648) and resulted in the formal independence of the United Provinces in 1581. Born into the House of Nassau, he became Prince of Orange in 1544 and is thereby the founder of the Orange-Nassau branch and the ancestor of the monarchy of the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, he is also known as Father of the Fatherland (Pater Patriae). A wealthy nobleman, William originally served the Habsburgs as a member of the court of Margaret of Parma, governor of the Spanish Netherlands. Unhappy with the centralisation of political power away from the local estates and with the Spanish persecution of Dutch Protestants, William joined the Dutch uprising and turned against his former masters. The most influential and politically capable of the rebels, he led the Dutch to several successes in the fight against the Spanish. Declared an outlaw by the Spanish king...

Antique print titled 'Groeninga'. View of the city of Groningen, the Netherlands. This map originates from 'Cosmographia' published by Münster. Artists and Engravers: Sebastian Münster...

Very rare 16th Century English tapestry. Hand made my candle light over 300 years ago. Recently professionally cleaned and in good condition. Sources in Lyon France Any questions p...

Follower of Paolo Veronese (Verona, 1528 - Venice, 1588) Allegory of wisdom and strength Oil on canvas, 48 x 36.5 cm Picture frame, 61 x 48 cm The Allegory of Wisdom and Strength...

This engraving, titled *Pons Antverpianus Scaldi impositus*, represents the famous ship bridge constructed by the Duke of Parma over the Scheldt River during the Siege of Antwerp in ...

16th Century Neapolitan Maestro Title: Vision of Saint John in Patmos Medium: Oil on panel Dimensions: without frame 113 x 85 cm Painting without frame Expertise by Prof. Antonio Va...

Bronze mortar with garlands, flowers and putti - Tuscany , second half of 17th century. Measures: height 10 diameter : 13 cm Artisans and healers used mortars for grinding food...

Superb and rare Italian Renaissance chest from the end of the 16th century in walnut Very beautiful chest with a superb molding work on its face as well as a very beautiful base. Th...

A very nicely decorated plate. With rare decoration. Wanli period Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: China Period: 16th century, 17th century Tr...

Large and very nice Blue and White Charger/Dish from the Jiajin/Wanli Period. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: China Emperor: Wanli (1572-1620...

The lower part of the facade is adorned with a foliated and fruit garland. The facade’s central panel bears a low-relief decor framed by a rais-de-cœur frieze. The central scene a...

15-7-19-1-2 Typical late Ming landscape dish. A very nice example! Condition Overall condition A (Very good) rimfritting, filled chip and 2 hairlines. Size 160 mm Period...

This is an original engraved print from 1585, depicting the construction plans for the ship bridge built by the Duke of Parma during the Siege of Antwerp in the Eighty Years' War. ...

Antique map titled 'Tabula V Asiae'. Important early woodcut map of Persia, depicting the area of Mesopotamia, Armenia and the Gulf, to the Caspian and Carmania (Iran). Includes name...

Antique map titled 'Hollandiae Cattorum Regionis Typus'. Early copper engraving of the Netherlands in the 2nd state, numbered 30 bottom right. This map originates from 'Description d...

Antique map titled 'Asiae XII Tab'. Mercator's Ptolemaic map of Taprobana. The map shows Ptolemy's erroneous location of the island of Sri Lanka near the equator, with a bit of India...

A beautiful box made of fire gilt and damascened steel, completely original and in mint condition, with the original key, Italy or France, 16th century.

An exceptional German Gothic, Brutalist Coffer, very simple but strong design ,the coffer has its original Iron lock, ideal piece of furniture to place in a modern and contemporary i...

This 16th century Tzedakah Charity Box is an incredibly rare and unique museum quality piece. It’s made out of walnut wood and has an original 16th century silk material all over it from outside as well as in the inside, bronze plug in the front and the Star of David with two lions from the left and right side of the Star. There are also two round bronze handles to lift the box from both sides. The Tzedakah Box...

This remarkable map, titled "Asiae X Tab:", is a significant historical artifact that represents the convergence of knowledge and craftsmanship from two of the most esteemed figures in the history of geography and cartography. Created by Gerard Mercator and based on the geographical insights of Claudius Ptolemy, this map is part of the rare first issue published in Brussels in 1578. The map itself meticulously delineates the region between the Indus and Ganges rivers, an area of immense historical and geographical importance. It is an excellent representation of Ptolemy's second-century geographical data, which was fundamental in shaping the modern principles of mapmaking. Mercator, renowned for his precision and dedication to adhering closely to Ptolemy's original intentions, showcases this commitment through the detailed depiction of this significant Asian landscape. This edition stands out not only for its historical accuracy but also for its artistic execution. Gerard Mercator, who was also an innovator in the use of the italic hand for map lettering, first introduced this style in his "Literarum latinarum" in 1540. The use of italics in this map enhances its legibility and aesthetic appeal, which became a hallmark of the finest sixteenth and seventeenth-century Dutch maps, largely attributed to Mercator’s influence. The map measures 13 ½ x 18 inches and features fine hand coloring, which has been preserved in almost excellent condition alttough there some browning due to age. As a splendid example of the first issue from Mercator’s definitive edition of Ptolemy’s "Geographia", it not only serves as a testament to the rich history of geographical exploration but also stands as a beacon of the enduring legacy of its makers, shaping the future of cartographic design and precision. The map "Asiae X Tab:", focusing on the region between the Indus and Ganges rivers, highlights several areas and cities of historical and geographical importance that are likely of interest to scholars, historians, and collectors. Here are key locations depicted on the map: 1. **Indus River**: As one of the major rivers of Asia and a cradle of ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization, the Indus River holds significant historical importance. 2. **Ganges River**: Another crucial river not just for its cultural and religious significance in India, but also as a vital geographic feature in ancient and medieval maps...

Frans Pourbus (Bruges, 1545 - Antwerp, 1581) circle Portrait of a gentleman in Renaissance dress with a black doublet and ruff Late 16th century Oil on canvas 46 x 32 cm. - 65 x 53...

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...

Bird’s-Eye View of Basel from Braun & Hogenberg’s "Civitates Orbis Terrarum" (Circa 1572-1617) This highly detailed map of Basel is a bird's-eye view, originally based on Sebastian Münster’s map...

Pre-Columbian alabaster sculpture – Inca Llama-shaped canopa Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 1 cm Small pre-Columbian ritual canopy carved in alabaster, representing a llama, a sacred animal in...

16th-century Flemish master Circle of Quentin Metsys (Leuven, 1466 - Antwerp, 1530) Ecce Homo oil on panel cm. 34 x 23 with frame 47 x 37 (not contemporary) An important painting...

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning antique painted 1622 dated William & Mary throne armchair Please note the delive...

1579 Ornate Map of Burgundy County by Ferdinand de Lannoy Description of the Map: This is a beautifully detailed map of the Burgundy region, titled "Bvrgvndiae Comitatus Recentiss....

The Netherlands Amsterdam Circa 1625 – 1650 A blue and white Dutch tile with a decoration of a Dutch or Spanish soldier from the period of the 80 Years War. The decoration of this t...

School of Andrea del Sarto (Florence, 1486 - Florence, 1530) Saint John Oil on panel, 57 x 39 cm Framed, 67 x 49 cm The panel depicts St. John, recognizable by his staff and red ...

Antique map titled 'Asiae IIII Tab'. Beautiful map of Mercator's Ptolemaic map of the Holy Land, Cyprus, Syria, etc. Originates from Mercator's 'Geograph...

16th century Spanish Renaissance period fire grate. Made of beautifully forged wrought iron and bronze. The condition is good. Mea...

16th century German gothic fireback with a religious theme. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black patina. This product weighs more tha...

Title: Tabula Asiae XI - 1599 Very old and decorative map of India, Sri Lanka and the Maledives. Put this map in a frame on the wall and amaze your visitors. This original engravi...

RARE CABINET DEPICTING THE FOUR ELEMENTS ORIGIN : FRANCE PERIOD : CIRCA 1600 Height: 178 cm Width: 112 cm Depth: 50 cm Former Perpitch Collection Forme...

Two-layered agate cameo, red and white, depicting Roman Charity on an amati background. Italy, 16th century H. 3.7 cm - L. 2.9 cm Gold setting, eagle's head hallmark, 19th century H....

Unique and wonderful folk art coat of arms, Depicting a eagle holding a rabbit, two crosses and two castle's and on the top a grotesque head. This beautiful period piece is made out ...

Antique brass Jain shrine Material: Brass 31,5 cm high 15 cm wide and 11 cm deep 16-17th century The naked Tirthankara modeled with broad shoulders and long arms down to the sides. ...

Early Arista y cuenca tile made in Toledo. Tile decorated in renaissance with stylized flowers was probably made between 1550 and 1575.

A very nicely decorated top level potting and top quality painted plate Wanli period, ca 1580-1600 The scene possibly shows flowers Additional information: Material: Porcelain & P...

Title: Huum opp. condrusorum caput (...) Anno partae salutis 1574. **Type:** Print (Colored Copper Engraving) **Year:** Circa 1580 **Technique:** Colored Copper Engraving **Medium:...

An antique English Tudor period oak panel dating to circa 1590, deeply handcarved with three large foliage scrolls and flowers. Over 430 years old, this oak wall panel has stood the ...

SMALL TUSCANY TABLE FROM THE RENAISSANCE PERIOD ORIGIN : FLORENCE, ITALY PERIOD : 16th CENTURY Height: 69,4 cm Length: 59,4 cm Depth: 51 cm ...

Easily recognizable with his gesture of showing pest effect on his thigh this pilgrim saint is accompanied by an angel curing him. The quality of the wood is noteworthy. Bibliography Louis Réau, Iconographie de l’Art Chrétien...

Polidoro de' Renzi, called Polidoro da Lanciano (Lanciano, c. 1515 - Venice, 1565) Mystic Marriage of St. Catherine Oil on panel, 47.5 x 34.5 cm Framed, 71 x 58 cm The painting, ...

Exceptionally rare antique Cope Large and impressive Beautiful Silk Lampas skillfully hand woven in crimson / pink silk upon an opulent gold metallic gro...

Spanish Renaissance casket, 16th century In carved, polychrome and gilded wood decorated with a vase with horns of plenty, heads of cherubs and fruits. In the lock a shield with two ...

Collection Jean Thuile Around the mid-sixteenth century French furnishing evolves in its conception and ornamentation. The start of major archi...

Antique print titled 'Huum Opp. Condrusorum Caput (..)'. Attractive bird’s eye view of Huy in present day Belgium. The view shows the city from the northeast. Huy, a municipality of ...

Venetian school of the end of the 16th century Circle of Jacopo Negretti, known as Palma the Younger (Venice 1544 - 1628) Saint Jerome Penitent Oil painting on canvas 85 x 64 cm. - In frame 97 x 76 cm. This splendid painting, which offers us an intense representation of San Girolamo...

A very fine impression of this map of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, with Singapore denoted as 'Cinca Pula'. Highly distorted and inaccurate map by Girolamo Ruscelli after J...

16th century French Gothic andirons made of wrought iron. The andirons have bull's heads and spit hooks. These French andirons are called 'landiers' in France. This dates from the t...

Rare Buddhist alter shrine, made in pine wood. Rich on carved figural sceneries. Original polychrome lacquer, beautiful and untouched condition. From Shanxi Province in China.

Measures: Closed length : 137 cm – opened lenght : 255 cm Beautiful table of the Second French Renaissance, said ‘à la du Cerceau’. It is in effect a model close to the projects d...

Antique print titled 'Leodium'. View of Liège / Luik, Belgium with surrounding hills and the city wall. With text explaining the origins of Liège, a cartouche expressing thanks to th...

This Renaissance Cabinet reveals the great mastery of the Lyon workshops which are at the origin of its realization. Sculptors and wood-carvers worked here in symbiosis to express an...