Italy Animal Sculptures

Benedetta works in many materials but is most well known for her innovative and extraordinarily wire work. Each piece starts life as flat rolled chicken wire which is gradually shape...

This 1980s Italian handmade Murano glass sculpture depicts an elephant in clear glass. This sculpture is in excellent condition and has no scratches or ch...

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...

Large embossed brass parrot, handcrafted in Italy, Edizioni Molto. Handcrafted brass sheet sculptures, artisanally made in Italy in a limited edition. Produced with precision and det...

Italian midcentury Art Deco style table lamp, ashtray, cigarette service or centre table, by Aldo Tura , in hand carved wood, with metal fusion parts. Parchment lampshade. Working el...

A mid-century miniature sculpture set depicting a family of elephants. This miniature set made in Italy during the 70s combines two Italian peculiarities, the great skills of Italian...

"Modern Prezioso #05 Hand-Blown Glass Sculptural Goblet Gold leafed Dolphin Stem" by Simone Crestani Introducing the Prezioso #05 Goblet, a captivating embodiment of elegance and gr...

The piece is a unique representation of a man in a modern way. The man is gently painted with acrylic color. Our designer creates these pieces completely by hand, without any mold....

Sculpture, horse sculpture, marble horse, carrara marble sculpture, sculpture made in Italy. Sculpture of a fragment of an incedent horse in the march Resting on a basalt and iron b...

Ceramic vase red fish Mid-Century Modern Italian design 1950s gold parts.

Ceramic rooster sculpture by Ronzan

A white ceramic panther from the 1970s with a silver-plated eye detail. The panther shows signs of wear given by time, but gives it the right fl...

Horse sculpture fragment, ceramic horse, bronze horse Bronze patinated light ceramic sculpture placed on volcanic stone and iron base light refractory ceramic, bronze patinated. dime...

The piece is a unique representation of a Sheep in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a brown color. Our designer creates these pieces comple...

Stunning pair of 1970s swan-shaped sculptures in travertine and made in Italy, designed by Enzo Mari for F.lli Mannelli.

Ronzan “stile” Jaguar ceramic, 1950, Italy.

Handmade leather elephant 1960s

Sculpture bird Archimede Seguso green and gold dust 1940 original label.

Beautiful handmade Murano glass cat with vitreous paste decorations. Manufactured by Carlo Moretti in 1980s. Very good conditions.

Splendid blue Murano glass hippopotamus

When I saw these pieces I was so happy to have found them as I knew the history of these wonderful pieces very well. There are great maestros and artist from Murano, some are very well known Seguso, Barbini, Tagliapietra. Roberto Camozzo is instead one that very few know. He and his partner Elio Raffaelli...

Exotic parrot in multi-color ceramic by Royal Dux production from late 1950s.

Mid-century horse sculpture made in Italy in Travertine Marble, by Fratelli Mannelli. marvelous piece to enrich an ambient. A small chip visible on the last photos as indicated by...

Porcelain stonewar stylized pigeon Italian production Studiolinea COM 1970 white.

Not many Aldo Tura pieces can be compared to this unique table lamp, hand carved from a single piece of wood. Aldo Tura lamps were done in small editions and the detail and level of ...

Centerpiece in the shape of a horse in hand carved alabaster. Made in Italy, 1970s.

Swan Sculpture in Murano glass, pink with crystal details, Italy in stock Dimensions: L 22 cm x H 35 cm x D 22 cm ( L 8.6" x H 13.7" x D 8.6") We recently came across the untouched...

When I saw these pieces I was so happy to have found them as I knew the history of these wonderful pieces very well. There are great maestros and artist from Murano, some are very well known Seguso, Barbini, Tagliapietra. Roberto Camozzo is instead one that very few know. He and his partner Elio Raffaelli...

Sculpture swans Murano glass iridescent half of the 20th century, delicate original and extraordinary craftsmanship.

White ceramic box animal sculpture in the shape of a monkey by Vivai del Sud. Made in Italy in the 1970s. The original label is still attached on ...

This piece is one of the few that could be attributed to MARIO CACCIAPUOTI , in his brief stint with the MARIO CACCIAPUOTI AND C, In Milan. It is made of stoneware and plated with s...

This life-size dog was made of resin, probably used as an advertising dog for dog food, an original piece of furniture.

This is an interesting multiple artwork signed by the author Vito Antonio Mastrorocco, a talented young artist of years 80' in Italy. This is a multiple of a numbered edition of 1...

This is an amazing piece born by the fine craftmenships of the Sardinian artisan of the beautiful island of Sardinia, Italy. The elephant has a dynamic movement that depict the figur...

The piece is a unique representation of a Pelican in a modern way. The animal is gently painted with a brown color. Our designer creates these pieces comp...

Italian modern Sculpture of standing bulldogge dog in beige black ceramic, 1970s Sculpture of standing olde english bulldogge dog, in beige an...

This is a joyful bronze sculpture; this art work has signed by the well known Italian artist Concetto Pozzati. Title Lucky Charm. This is a multiple of a numbered edition of 1.000 p...

Antique figurative pocket knife, chiseled and guilloché, representing a rabbit lying down with its ears down. Brass handle plates with three rivets, spring and steel blade. Signed Th...

Toucan brush is a particular vintage object from the 60s. Phenolic resin object, the beak is actually a brush. Good condition, some wear and tear.

Golden antimony metal sculpture, depicting an English Bulldog dog, mounted on a veined black marble base. Signed J. B. America circa 1890.

Totally hand-carved travertine desk accessories consisting of a pen-holder and an ashtray designed by Enzo Mari for Fratelli Mannelli, made in Italy in the 1970s

Designed by the creative genius of Setsu & Shinobu Ito, PANDA joins our Animal Collection, bringing with it a message of awareness and respect for nature. Available in three sizes: b...

Seguso Seashell Murano glass gold leaf inclusions, 1950, Italy.

A striking patinated bronze hippopotamus sculpture from the 1980s, featuring a beautifully aged surface that enhances its sculptural presence. The piece captures the essence of this ...

The jellyfish is the main element of the Mosche Bianche's "Medusa" Collection: fluid, delicate but also dangerous and deadly. It represents the water, the circle of life. The spe...

This sculpture Horses and Charioteer is an original decorative object in bronze realized during the 19th century. Very Good conditions ...

Folk art walking stick: carved wooden handle depicting a Great Dane dog’s head, sulphur glass eyes. Fruit wood shaft and metal ferrule. Germany ...

Pair of obeliskies in red Levanto marble and Leoni in black marble, Grantour style, parts in gilded marble and gilded bronzes '900, ADDITIONAL PHOTOS, INFORMATION OF THE LOT AND QUOT...

Bronze sculpture depicting a pair of fawns on a black marble base. Author's signature engraved on the side of the base.

1970s Italian Murano Signed Colored Glass Animalier Sculpture A beautiful and rare object handmade by the Murano masters, representing an animalier crystal sculpture in the shape of...

Vetrerie Toso, Italy, circa 1930s. It is made in blown glass and polychrome paste. A clear sign of the authenticity of the piece, its age and its creation is the presence of ash particles in the glass. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excellent original condition and ready to become a piece in a home. Literature: Giordana Naccari, Cristina Beltrami, ed. Skira, "L' Arca di Vetro. La Collezione di animali di Pierre Rosenberg...

The statue is made of bronze, with a dark and glossy finish. The mouflon is depicted in a standing pose, with all four legs positioned on a base that resembles a rocky surface. The b...

Romano Donà 1990s Multi-Color Murano Glass Toucan Sculpture Venice Italy. Behold a captivating masterpiece, a testament to the enchanting artistry of Murano, Italy. This remarkable t...

Parrot-shaped sculpture Psitaccus Dino Martens (1894 - 1970) Vetreria Artistica Rag. Aureliano Toso, 1953-1956 It measures 9.055 inches in height x 4.13 in x 5.90 in (23 cm, 10.5 cm x 15 cm) It weighs 1.997 lb (906 g) State of conservation: intact. The small glass sculpture...

Mid-century travertine sculpture of stylised cat attributed to Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s H 23.5 cm 5 × 14 cm Conditions: very good consistent with age and use,...

Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. Giovannoni's Kong is, surprisingly, technological and almost human. It shines in front of ...

Walking stick: silver handle, depicting the head of a horse. Ebony wood shaft. Metal ferrule. Germany 1900 ca.

Pair of Blue Murano glass duck sculptures signed Cenedese 1980s Italy with Submerged Gold Finishes This artistic pair of duck sculptures will brings with itself a touch of Venerian ...

Lion wood sculpture Bottega Michelangeli, Orvieto Italy 1970s composed of assembled wooden sections H cm 26 × 22 × 12.5 Conditions: very good c...

Art Deco bronze animal lion sculpture Size: W 38 cm, D 14 cm, H 38 cm Original patina. A video of the item Is available upon request...