Europe - Fountains

Limited edition fountain in marble and bronze. (central column - limited edition of 7 pieces only) The central column can possibly be mounted inside a marble basin to be built local...

Naively executed water fontaine figurine/top in patinated copper. Its a piece unique made by an anonymous Danish sculptor/artist during the 1970s. When we found it was displayed as a...

A characterful terracotta fountain group of a boy and dolphin by Blanchard (stamped); the perfect feature piece for a garden pool or pond. This 19th century buff terracotta fountain ...

A rare early 18th century Italian wall fountain.

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...

Indian engraved silver table fountain by Oomersi Mawji & Sons Indian, late 19th century Measures: Height 40cm, width 23cm, depth 21cm This exceptional table fountain is by the c...

A very impressive large scale English garden fountain. This was reclaimed from a park in Rochdale. This fountain has been hand carved from red coloured sandstone.   Measures: Largest bowl...

Entirely hand carved in a solid block of precious white Carrara marble, this antique Italian late 17th century-early 18th century fountain or basin is sculpted with elegant floral and foliate patterns typical of Baroque period of Genoese area. This generously sized half moon basin features a wonderful hand sculpted floral carvings on front, drawing the eye around its satisfyingly smooth arc and its charismatic form, while the back is raw, the ancient hand chisels can still be seen. Even the original iron pins which probably supported a back splash are still visible. It takes a high level of skill to carve such a hard marble into a wonderful demi lune shape such as this. Different shades of white due to varied patina from age allows it to go with practically any color scheme. This antique marble sculptural and architectural piece was originally a garden element, it is now perfect for both indoor or outdoor use. Elevate your interior or your garden to a new level of elegance with this one of a kind piece suitable for both public spaces and private homes. Whether placed in the master bathroom or in a powder room as a wash sink...

Charming room fountain ceramic, circa 1970s.      

Limited edition of 99 numbered and signed copies of the Column composed by 3 elements, base in polychrome ceramic, 24 white grés tiles with decorations and a bronze fish sculpture. This fountain is called “Le Colonne...

Fountain with two different tops by Piet Knepper for Mobach white glaze with copper oxide details and cracked surface, hand turned studio ceramic . This is an example of Modern Scho...

Amazing indoor fountain in brass and lucite designed by Henri Fernandez France, 1970s. The brutalist fish is made in brass with turquoise gems eyes and ...

A stunning 20th century two toned marble planter/Tazzer/bird bath. The frieze is decorated with lion masks and lion paw feet, standing on a Verdi Antico marble base, and a central tw...

Wall fountain with dolphin and shell bowl sculpture made of cast composition with marble powder, Portugal, early 20th century. Dolphin with a bronze tap in ...

A large impressive pair of 20th century bronze Cherub fountains with fish. Situated on Verdi Antico marble bases. This pair are fully functional wor...

"ELENA" fountain in Carrara marble, Ultima Edizione production by Giusti and De Rosa, 1985.

This monumental finely carved limestone fountain is composed a three levels. The first tiered with three amazing horse statues, the others adorned with lion heads ending with a putt...

Beautiful antique well from the 19th century! One side of this well is not original, but we have found a very nice alternative that fits exactly with the whole!

A 19th-century unique pair of Rococo style consoles with putti heads. Carved from plaster and painted in polychrome. The consoles are open from the rear and the top. Most likely th...

Very nice antique wall fountain made out of French sandstone. Came out of a park from a big French mansion near Paris, France.

Antique 18th century Italian red Verona and white Carrara marble floor fountain.  

Ancient pair of stone stoups, usable in many ways, as stone trays, as fountains, as planters or in a prestigious entrance, hand carved between the 16th and 17th centuries in Italy f...

Nice pump to make a fountain off.

Carrara marble fountain with its gray Sainte Anne marble base. French. circa 1700 18th century. It works as a source. It has a small restoration as can be seen in the photo. ...

Beginning 19th century stone trough French volvic stone An beginning 19thcentury stone trough from central French, which is worked out in one piece out of an volvic stone. You can us...

This wonderful patinated bronze work is designed to function as both a water fountain and a superb piece of sculpture. The item will be well-suited to either an indoor or outdoor setting. The piece takes the form of two herons...

One of a kind French wall fountain in limestone. Typical LXIV style of the 19th century. Amazing and grand fountain for a bespoke luxury lifestyle design. The head stone measures: 7...

This well cover can be used to put on a well. The well cover is in a nice shape and in a good condition. The well cover looks nice in a garden or also in ...

Original antique wine cooler from the Louis XIV period in Rouge Royal marble. This amazing piece has great measurements. Perfect for a hand washer...

This monumental finely carved limestone fountain is composed a three levels. The first tiered with three amazing horse statues, the others adorned with lion heads ending with a putt...

Wall fountain with dolphin and shell bowl sculpture made of cast composition with marble powder, Portugal, early 20th century. Dolphin with a bronze tap in ...

This well cover can be used to put on a well. The well cover is in a nice shape and in a good condition. The well cover looks nice in a garden or also in ...

Introducing the Martina Marble Fountain, a stunning outdoor centerpiece that combines the natural beauty of water with the luxurious elegance of Italian marble. Designed by Andrea Br...

White marble fountain, neoclassical , dated beginning of 19th Century This fountain comes from Palazzo Tadini, an old art gallery which owner loved to collect Canova's works. Palazz...

Polychrome faience wall fountain with hand painted with a dance scene decoration Teniers' style. Netherland.

A mid-19th century Italian font with Baluster stem on a hexagonal base, in Sienna marble, circa 1860 In three parts.

This monumental finely carved limestone fountain is composed an three levels. The first tiered with three amazing horse statues, the others adorned with lion heads ending with a put...

Authentic and "Rare Vase " Antique Limestone Vase age 1210 , Recovered of The fondamentale of The country 12th Century,

Wall Fountain in Art Deco-style with a high rising, tapering square shaft. At the upper part is a molded, geometric decor in the style of Art Deco. The basin is in the shape of a hal...

Village water pump fountain in limestone with a double trough also made from limestone in front of it.

On an antique bluestone ornament.

Large 1950s Vallauris enlightening fountain in two parts. Water comes out the mouths of the two dolphins in a closed circuit. Signed Vallauris on a stamp.

Italian wall fountain of the 18th century made of stone, with marble incristations making shapes of rhombuses and circles, with a marble mask of reddish verona in the central part, f...

This is a very exceptional piece. In the middle of the 35kg solid bronze tank there's a big rock cristal (30 cm high) which holds an atmospheric light. Originates France, dating ci...

This timeless beautiful Italian classical sink is cut from one single block of white marble, these designs have not changed since Greek and Roman times, it carries superb artistic me...

This timeless beautiful Italian classical sink is cut from one single block of white marble, these designs have not changed since Greek and Roman times, it carries superb artistic me...

Large Marble fountain with sculpture of woman, Paris Budapest, 1929. The sculpture was made in Paris in the 1910s. Purchased by a Hungarian nobleman, the statue was placed in 1929 on...

Antiques fountain in white marble, richly carved and inlaid with "royal yellow" marble in the pedestal and in the basin, upper part with mythological sculpture...

Green painted, the fountain was made out of cast iron. It is crowned with a dome and four sea monsters are placed on the ridge. The dome rests on four caryatids draped in antique (see our article caryatid ). They are based on a large octagonal plinth decorated with shells and bas-relief newts wrapping around the Poseidon's trident. At the end of the 19th century, the arrival of Wallace fountains...

Then, it’s circa 1851, that Hubert Lavigne realizes the model of our Neo-Renaissance style monumental fountain for the Val d’Osne foundry. Resting on an octagonal foot adorned with s...

Ancient fountain in gray stone, hand-carved with the name of the country it comes from, built entirely by hand in the late 18th century, from France....

This fountain was assembled in the 20th century with 5 pieces of quaternary limestone from Portugal. The limestone shows severe signs of natural erosion that have taken place along t...

This fountain was assembled in the 20th century with quaternary limestone pieces from Portugal. The limestone shows signs of natural erosion that have taken place along the time. Thi...

A weathered three tier composition stone garden fountain.