Europe

The art of decorative stone work - known as Pietre Dure, or polychrome hardstone inlay resurfaced in Rome in the sixteenth century with the flowering of the Italian Renaissance. Tabl...

D. Ioannis Chrysostomi archiepiscopi Constantinopolitani Enarrationes in divi Pauli epistolas, ad Timotheum II., Titum, Philemonem, & HebræosD.IOANNIS CHRYSOSTOMI ARCHEPISCOPI CONSTA...

Antique print titled 'Lympurch - Limburgum Oppidum (..)'. Attractive bird’s eye view of Limbourg in present day Belgium. Limbourg (or Limburg) is a city and municipality of Wallonia ...

17th-Century Alpine Wooden Christ Torso with Polychrome Traces This finely carved wooden Christ torso, likely from the Alpine region and dating to the 17th century, is a remarkable p...

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

France / 16th century / set of 20 castle keys / metal / Antique / Rustic Rare charming set of 20 Antique keys from the 16th century, France. A beautiful ...

Antique map titled 'Hispania Nova Tabula'. Ruscelli's map of Spain, including the Balearic Islands. This map originates from 'Espositione & introduttioni universali di Gir. Ruscelli sopra tutta la Geografia di Tolomeo (..)' published by Girolamo Ruscelli, 1561. Girolamo Ruscelli (1500-1566) was a cartographer, humanist, and scholar from Tuscany. Ruscelli was a prominent writer and editor in his time, writing about a wide variety of topics including the works of Giovanni Boccaccio and Francesco Petrarch, Italian language, Italian poetry, medicine, alchemy, and militia. One of his most notable works was a translation of Ptolemy’s Geographia...

Its devotional pinjante votive offering which origin is Spanish, of Canarian manufacture. The piece represents a salamander crafted in solid gold, richly adorned with emeralds, rub...

Gothic front gallery chest, Westphalia around 1500 - 1550, wrought iron bands, boxy oak body, partially carved. Monumental star-shaped key plate with original key, feet on the front ...

This cathedra or chayère chair is conceived following rules of monumental architecture. The seat can be lift open to reveal a chest. Both curved arm-rests are supported by a baluster...

These images are rare but fine examples of original 17th-century European engravings, displaying characteristics that might point to an Italian origin based on stylistic analysis. Th...

Beautiful renaissance carved walnut armchair Origin : Italy Period : 16th century Dimensions : Height : 111,5 cm Seat height : 52 cm ...

Antique map titled 'Caletensium et Bononiensium (..)'. Two detailed regional maps on one sheet. The first map shows Belgian and French Coastal region, from Estaples to Gruerlinge...

The map consists of three distinct sections on a single folio sheet: 1. **Map of Turkey**: - Orientation: The map is oriented with the east at the top, which is a common practic...

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

Amazing Lidded Jar from the Ming period, kraak porcelain. Nicely potted and with beautiful Kintsugi restoration. ⁠ ⁠ Ongoing scene of a typical Kraak landscape. The lid with a nice f...

Title: "Braunschweig and Lüneburg Duchies: Authentic Depiction by Abraham Ortelius" This is an exquisite example of Abraham Ortelius’s cartographic craftsmanship: an original antiqu...

Neapolitan caravagist artist, 17th century SAINT THOMAS APOSTOLE oil on canvas, cm 127x101 (The painting is part of a triptych together with the two holy apostles Saint James the Mi...

Antique map titled 'Tabula Asiae XI'. Based on the interpretations of Solinus and Munster, this Ptolemaic map covers the region roughly of Thailand and Malaysia. An oddly shaped (Mal...

Antique map titled 'Der Statt Neptun (.).' Detailed plan of the Harbor of Nettuno, near Rome, from Munster's Cosmographia, one of the most influential cartographic works of the 16th century. The antique map titled 'Der Statt Neptun (.),' originating from Munster's renowned Cosmographia, unveils a detailed plan of the Harbor of Nettuno, situated near Rome. This influential cartographic work, crafted in the 16th century, stands as a testament to Munster's mastery in cartography and geographic depiction. The map meticulously portrays the Harbor of Nettuno, capturing its coastal features, the layout of the harbor, and possibly key landmarks or structures in the vicinity. Munster's expertise in cartography shines through in this intricate representation, offering a visual insight into the strategic maritime site near Rome. Being part of the Cosmographia, one of the era's most influential cartographic compilations, this map holds historical significance. Munster's work was esteemed for its accuracy and influence in shaping geographic knowledge during the 16th century. Adorned with Munster's characteristic artistic touches and possibly embellishments, this antique print not only serves as a navigational aid but also stands as a testament to the era's cartographic expertise, preserving the Harbor of Nettuno's significance in the maritime landscape near Rome. Artists and Engravers: Made by 'Sebastian Munster...

A beautifully produced book by Franco Maria Ricci, one of a limited edition of 3,000 numbered copies, this being 388. 175 pages with tipped in color plates with additional drawings and sketches, the text is in English. Arcimboldo has become best known for his portraits of human heads made up from vegetables, plants, fruits, sea creatures and tree roots, which were greatly admired by his contemporaries and remain of great fascination to this day. each was carefully constructed and as can be seen with the main image, the Librarian...

Antique print titled 'Wie die Burger von Amstelredam der Staten volck Wider auß der Statt treiben'. Original antique print showing the troops of William of Orange battling with the c...

These original antique engravings are characteristic examples of 17th-century European art, possibly Italian, given some of the stylistic choices and the text. The images show putti,...

These images are rare but fine examples of original 17th-century European engravings, displaying characteristics that might point to an Italian origin based on stylistic analysis. Th...

Calzetta Da Ravenna (Attivo Tra IL 1496 E IL 1543 circa) Severo. Circle of. Candlestick depicting a kneeling satyr. The model of the present bronze is the ""kneeling satyr"" attributed to Severo Calzetta da Ravenna, one of the main Paduan bronze sculptors of the first half of the 16th century, whose figure was rediscovered by Planiscig in 1935 (L. Planiscig, ""Severo da Ravenna...

16th century, Flemish storied wood tapestry Flanders Brussels The beautiful and precious tapestry, of fine workmanship and made with wool yarns, was made in the 16th century in F...

Pair Of Istrian Stone Columns, Venice 16th Century

Antique map titled 'Frisia Occidentalis'. Old map of the province of Friesland, the Netherlands. This map is also known as the 'Pauwenkaart' ('peacock map'), referring to the peacock next to the inset map. Based on a manuscript map...

In a realm where time stands still, there exists a 16th-century masterpiece, a sculpture of unparalleled beauty that transports you to the heart of the Ming dynasty. Here, in a place of reverence and artistry, sits the Chinese Bodhisattva Guanyin, the embodiment of compassion, enshrined in a form of breathtaking elegance. Guanyin's divine presence is unveiled as he is seated in padmasana, the lotus position, a symbol of purity and enlightenment. His regal robes...

This vie of Haarlem in the Netherlands (ancient name: Harlemvm) is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". ...

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...

Former collection Altounian At the beginning of the reign of Henri II (1547-1559) the furniture’s ornamentation evolves. The few medieval motifs that were still used are eventually relinquished. Furniture becomes more sober showcasing moulded panels and perfect architecture. Cabinet-makers use ornaments such as curved fluted or plain columns, feather quills, roses or winged putti heads. High-relief carving becomes more scarce and compositions lighter. To that end cabinet-makers draw inspiration from Fontainebleau motifs filtering them and adapting them to French taste. During this period cabinet-makers turn into a kind of architects. Indeed the architectural balance of furniture is the centre of their concerns. The study of Antic formulas is then a necessity. From this care given to proportions appear refined cabinets with pure lines. This style is characteristic of the reign of Henri II and disappears soon after under the regency of Catherine de Medici (1560-1574) when an abundance of high and low-relief ornaments comes back on furnitures. This two-bodies cabinet...

Antique map titled 'Die Stat Grave' Bird's eye view plan of Grave, The Netherlands, Holland. Showing the siege of Grave in the year 1602 by Prince Maurits of The Netherlands. Source ...

Antique map titled 'Persiae Regnum sive Sophorum Imperium'. Old map of the Persian Empire. This map originates from 'Geografia cioe Descrittione Universale della Terra' by G.A. Magin...

Post Medieval signet ring. Composed of an oval plaque featuring a finely engraved image of a thistle with stalk and leaves, the initials 'LI' in engraved...

Antique map titled 'Aegypti recentior descriptio - Carthaginis Celeberrimi sinus typus'. Two detailed regional maps by Ortelius. One map shows the region around the Nile, as far as A...

Chest. Carved wood, metal. Spanish school, 16th century. Rectangular casket with a flat lid decorated on the outside with a series of figurative reliefs in a symmetrical arrangemen...

The Martyrdom of Santa Barbara Wool and silk tapestry Bruges, 1530-50 270 x 198 cm Expertise by Professor Guy Delmarcel This Flemish tapestry is a remarkable example of 16th-century craftsmanship, distinguished by its exceptionally well-preserved color palette. The medaillon-shaped center stands out against a background of dark blue roses and acanthus leaves. It depicts the martyrdom of Saint Barbara, identified by the tower where she was imprisoned. According to legend, her father, Dioscorus, is about to behead her with a scimitar, while an angel descends from the heavens to strike him with lightning. At the bottom, beneath Saint Barbara, two fantastical creatures. On the left is a griffon depicted with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. On the right is a creature with the body of a leopard, the head of an elephant adorned in a fancy blue cloak. Both animals face each other standing either side of a green hill top in the middle of the tapestry. The lavish scene of the tapestry is framed by a border which is embellished with foliage, flowers and fantastical elephant heads in blue and white on a red background. The corners and center of the edges display goldsmith-objects. The vibrant brick-red colour and striking bluish-green leaves create a stunning visual impact, showcasing the outstanding state of conservation. Professor Guy Delmarcel connects this tapestry to a series of textiles produced in Bruges after 1530, characterized by their fantastical nature scenes populated with imaginative creatures. Most feature similar roses and acanthus-leaves as well as other vegetation, with wild animals appearing ready to attack. Two almost identical pieces preserved at the Art Institute of Chicago (Bruges, 336 x 599 cm) and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam ("Tournai," 285 x 490 cm) serve as prime examples. The entire surface is filled with greenery, along with birds and fantastic animals. This tapestry exemplifies the rich decorative style of the time, merging naturalistic and poetic elements with exotic animals that spark the imagination. Other works of this type follow the theme of the "Closed Garden." In the lower register, fantastical creatures occasionally appear, as seen in the exquisite Bruges Tapestry displayed at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris, and in the example from the Burrell Collection in Glasgow. The Parisian tapestry from Bruges features a mythical animal in the lower register, dressed in blue fabric, which closely resembles the animal in our tapestry. If Enghien or other centers produced similar pieces, several elements suggest a stronger connection to Bruges for two formal reasons: The overall colour-palette of our tapestry fabric characterized by pronounced brick-red colours and bluish-green leaves, aligns more closely with Bruges than with Tournai or Enghien. The intricate border design with the warm brick-red background, adorned with floral motifs, goldsmith-inspired elements such as incense burners and small bells, can be traced back to Bruges around 1530. This style, often associated with heraldic imagery, underscores the tapestry's connection to the city's rich artistic heritage. A comparable example is the tapestry featuring the Arms of Paolo Giovio, now part of the Prince of Liechtenstein's collection in Vaduz. This piece, set against a brick-red background, depicts arms and armors, cornucopias, boys riding grotesque dolphins, as well as various flowers and leaves. All available literature dates this group of tapestries to the second quarter of the sixteenth century. A key formal element further supports this dating: the executioner, depicted preparing to behead Barbara, wields a Turkish scimitar, a reference to the frequent Ottoman incursions into Central Europe beginning with the 1529 siege of Vienna...

Antique print titled ''Ernestus Ferreus Arch'. **Ernest the Iron (1377-1424)** Background: Ernest the Iron, also known as Ernst der Eiserne, was a member of the House of Habsburg....

Antique map titled 'Tavola Nuova di Schiavonia'. Ruscelli's map of the Balkans, with a coat of arms. The mountains are represented, river systems are shown in detail, and cities, towns and ports denoted throughout this 16th century map. A number of islands in the Adriatic Sea are also shown. This map originates from 'Espositione & introduttioni universali di Gir. Ruscelli sopra tutta la Geografia di Tolomeo (..)' published by Girolamo Ruscelli, 1561. Girolamo Ruscelli (1500-1566) was a cartographer, humanist, and scholar from Tuscany. Ruscelli was a prominent writer and editor in his time, writing about a wide variety of topics including the works of Giovanni Boccaccio and Francesco Petrarch, Italian language, Italian poetry, medicine, alchemy, and militia. One of his most notable works was a translation of Ptolemy...

Description: Antique print, titled: 'CXLVI. Virgo Neapolitana in Italia' - This rare early plate shows a virgin woman from Naples, Italy in 16th century costume. From: 'Habitus praec...

Antique map titled 'Lumen Historium per Orientem (..).' Scarce map of the Middle East, surrounded by Latin text. The two insets show Israel and an oval world map. This map (from the last edition of Ortelius Theatri Orbis Terrarum Parergon, 1624) was engraved by Franciscus Hareio. Later, this map was copied by Hornius for his World Atlas (1653). Artists and Engravers: Franciscus Haraeus (Latinised form of Franciscus Verhaer; also known as Frans Verhaer), (Utrecht 1555? - Leuven, 11 January 1631), was a Dutch theologian, historian, and cartographer. He is best known for his history (from a Catholic point of view) of the Dutch Revolt...

Impressive gothic fire dogs with spit hooks with faces. These French andirons are called 'landiers' in France. This dates from the times the andirons were the main cooking equipment ...

15th century engraved gold buckle ring, ‘At this point remains’. A rare flat top ring featuring intricate detailing around the full circumference with a...

The lower part It stands on an ogee molded base and four feet with two front legs more massive and detailed than the others. It opens with two doors and three drawers. The vert...

Elegant sideboard in solid walnut wood with dark patina, small but refined in size. The cabinet is equipped with two doors and two drawers, with turned and lost wax cast bronze handl...

Antique map titled 'Picardiae Belgicae regionis descriptio'. Original antique map of the Picardy region, France. Published by A. Ortelius, circa 1590.

Follower of Andrea del Sarto (Florence, July 16, 1486 - Florence, September 29, 1530) Madonna and Child, St. John and two Angels Oil on panel, 73 x 61.5 cm With frame 100 x 90 cm...

The simplicity of this Benjamin Goodison console is what sets it apart from most of Goodison’s work. The free-flowing design of the c-scroll legs wit...

Sleeping Boy is an original modern artwork realized in the 16th century by Giovanni Fontana. Ivory colored sheet attached on an ivory colored cardboard (...

Antique map titled 'Indiae Orientalis Insularumque Adiacientium Typus'. Ortelius includes early European depictions of both Japan and China and is the first to name Formosa (Taiwan). The Philippines and East Indies or Spice Islands are shown based upon Portuguese and Spanish sources, and before their penetration by the Dutch. Japan is shown in kite form, as a large oval island...

The Tibetan lamellar iron armor with dark patina, provided with shoulders and helmet, can be traced back to the 17th-18th centuries and is in excellent condition. It belonged to a pr...

Antique map titled 'Westfalia cum dioecelsi Bremensi'. Original antique map of Germany. Published by Mercator/Hondius, circa '1620' 17th Century antique detailled map of Westphali...

Italy, Florence Walnut wood Good state of preservation Former Collection Bresset     The "credenza" is a typical piece of furniture from Italy. It evolved during the 15th century from an earlier form, a table with shelves for decorative purposes, which played a role in the ceremonial settings of refined environments. Transformed into a low cabinet with two doors...

L'Annunziata in S. M. sopra Minerva is an original old master artwork realized by Giovanni Fontana. Ivory colored sheet attached on an ivory colored cardboard ( cm 35.8 x 26.7) Bea...

Ferrara school of the late sixteenth century - circle of Giuseppe Mazzuoli known as Bastarolo (Ferrara 1536 - 1589) St. Jerome penitent in the cave ...

Original from 1515 A pivotal and iconic calendar woodcut from 1517 and first used in the 1502 of Sebastian Brandt’s edition of the works of Vergil. The four books of The Georgi...

Antique map titled 'Gallia Nova Tabula'. Ruscelli's map of France. This map originates from 'Espositione & introduttioni universali di Gir. Ruscelli sopra tutta la Geografia di Tolomeo (..)' published by Girolamo Ruscelli, 1561. Girolamo Ruscelli (1500-1566) was a cartographer, humanist, and scholar from Tuscany. Ruscelli was a prominent writer and editor in his time, writing about a wide variety of topics including the works of Giovanni Boccaccio and Francesco Petrarch, Italian language, Italian poetry, medicine, alchemy, and militia. One of his most notable works was a translation of Ptolemy’s Geographia...

Antique map titled ‘Bolzvardia vetus in Frisia Foederis (..)’. Old map of the city of Bolsward, Friesland. Originally part of a sheet together with the cities of Stavoren, Harlingen ...

Antique print titled 'Egrana civitas olim de imperio Romanorum (..)'. Important early view of the walled town of Eger, or Cheb, in the Czech Republic, including the city's coat of ar...