Furniture on Sale
66,642
6,649
2,085
to
42,575
29,768
75,374
72,953
74,089
17,963
5,223
3,590
2,756
1,287
1,259
1,007
976
716
658
624
566
524
483
453
425
395
349
3,449
11,281
51,912
8,734
8,472
24,557
11,674
1,407
727
2,023
2,250
1,657
4,382
6,822
5,831
1,756
823
23,139
21,124
20,778
13,214
10,500
38,167
15,425
10,542
10,043
9,343
374
287
248
229
152
Sale Items
Greenapple Armchair, Genebra Armchair, Dark Blue Velvet, Handmade in Portugal
By Greenapple, GF Modern
Located in Lisboa, PT
Genebra armchair, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
The Genebra armchair is designed to give your living room a sophisticated vintage look. The armchair is upholstered in dark blue velvet...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Don Shoemaker Exotic Wood Inlaid Decorative Briefcase for Señal, circa 1970
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exquisitely crafted slim decorative briefcase designed by Don Shoemaker for Señal of Mexico. Taking advantage of the expertise provided by Mexican artisans, shoemaker founded Señal...
Category
Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Jacaranda, Rosewood, Cocobolo
ClassiCon Set of Two Bow Coffee Tables Designed by Guilherme Torres in STOCK
By Guilherme Torres
Located in New York, NY
BOW #5 TABLE BURNISHED BRASS FRAME
BLACK LACQUERED GLASS TOP
49.5" SQ.X 10"H (100CM SQUARE X 25 CM
HIGH)
&
Bow Coffee Table n°3 Marble
70x70x31...
Category
2010s German Tables
Materials
Marble
Chinese Hand Painted Hard Stone Paperweight with Woman & Instrument 20th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Chinese paperweight offers hard stone construction with hand painted portrait of a woman playing her string musical instrument, chop mark signed, 20th century
Measures - 6"h x 2...
Category
20th Century Chinese Paintings and Screens
Materials
Stone
Tacchini Sesann Sofa Designed by Gianfranco Frattini in STOCK
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in New York, NY
SESANN - thesium 26
Matt black frame T07
Dark walnut feet T43
CAL117
A reissue of a historic design by Gianfranco Frattini, Sesann is a collection of sofas and armchairs with sof...
Category
2010s Italian Sofas
Materials
Textile
Bamboo Floor Lamp by Ramón Castellano for Kalma, 1970
By Kalma Ramon Castellano
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Fantastic Tipi-inspired lamp made of bamboo canes, super decorative and ideal for pleasant environments with floral decoration and natural materials. Nice light with dimmer.
Category
Vintage 1970s Floor Lamps
Materials
Bamboo, Cane
1980s Zanaboni Silk Velvet Leopard Tiger Sculptural Curved Sofa
By Zanaboni
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
In 1967, in the Italian town of Honey began to operate the factory, named by the founder Vittorio Zanaboni "Zanaboni Salotti Classici, Classic furniture by Zanaboni". So far this bra...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Chinoiserie Sofas
Materials
Textile, Satin, Silk, Velvet
Bauhaus Green Brno Tubular Cantilever Dining Chairs by Mies Van Der Rohe
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Detroit, MI
This set of four Mies van der Rohe Brno armchairs made by Gordon International are circa 1990. These iconic Bauhaus modernist chairs designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1930 feature cle...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Tacchini Pastille Marble Top Coffee table Designed by Studiopepe
By Studiopepe, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
PASTILLES TABLE **Showroom Sample**
100cm BASE
Matt Champagne Gold TOP
T29 Shiny White Carrara
Dedar - Naked Peach 1055/144
The new project with Studiopepe is a collaboration with...
Category
2010s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Marble
"Mosaic" Chest of Drawers, by Vicente Wolf
By Vicente Wolf
Located in New York, NY
A Tansu chest with five drawers, by New York interior designer Vicente Wolf.
This one of a kind drawer chest was created by New York interior designer Vicente Wolf with rare hardware and wood finishes he personally curated during his travels around the world, where he sources his exclusive home accessory collections...
Category
2010s Indonesian Other Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Antique Map of the Region of Tokyo and Nagasaki in Japan, 1922
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map of Japan titled 'Japan - Environs of Tokio & Nagasaki'. Old map of Japan, includes inset maps of Tokyo, Nagasaki and surroundings. This map originates from 'The Times' at...
Category
20th Century Maps
Materials
Paper
Four Individual Ceramic Delft Wall Tiles Hand Painted, 19th Century
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
These are four attractive individual Delft ceramic wall tiles, dating to the second half of the 19th century.
All tiles are nominally 5 inches square and 5/16 to 3/8 inches thick....
Category
Antique 19th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Christofle Art Deco Style Knife Rests in Silver Plate
By Christofle, Edouard-Marcel Sandoz
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A boxed pair of silver plated Art Deco knife rests from Christofle of Paris. Originally commissioned between 1920 and 1930 by the French shipping line Compagnie Générale Transatlantique and designed by sculptor Edouard Marcel Sandoz for Maison Christofle in the Art Deco style. Sandoz’s stylized and geometric Porte-Couteaux Animaliers (animal knife rests) were popular table...
Category
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Vintage Turkish Rug with Coral Field and Light Green Center Medallion
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lovely Oushak features an unusual center medallion in light green with a coral central field, characterized by floral blossoms and trellis motifs. The light green border feature...
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish Oushak Turkish Rugs
Materials
Wool
Camel Bakshaish Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from an early 20th century Persian Bakshaish rug. Measures: 17” x 18”.
Category
Antique 19th Century Tribal Persian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Ghiordes Mini Size Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Baby size pillow made from an late 19th century, Turkish Ghiordes rug.
13'' x 14''
Category
Antique 19th Century Turkish Oushak Turkish Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Mid-20th Century Set of Schiapparelli Stockings in the Original Box
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-20th Century Set of Schiapparelli Stockings in the Original Box
A Mid-Century set of Schiaparelli stockings in the original box with the original Schiaparelli tissue paper liner...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Quilts and Blankets
Materials
Silk, Paper
Moroccan Wool Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from a vintage Moroccan rug.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Moorish Moroccan and North African Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Sky Blue Turkish Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Double-sided pillow made from a vintage Turkish Kilim.
14'' x 21''
Category
20th Century Turkish Minimalist Turkish Rugs
Materials
Hemp, Foam
Pink Shabby Chic Khotan Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from a 19th century antique Khotan rug with cotton back. Zipper closure included.
16'' x 16''
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Khotan Chinese and East Asian Rugs
Materials
Cotton, Foam, Wool
Rug Assortment Pillow
Located in New York, NY
A pillow created from an assortment of vintage Persian, Turkish European and Asian rugs.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Post-Modern Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Caucasian Throw Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from an antique Caucasian rug with cotton back. Zipper closure. Age wear.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Kazak Caucasian Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Tangerine Rug Pillow with Pink Backing
Located in New York, NY
One of a kind pillow made from a 19th century Persian Mahal with pink cotton back and zipper closure.
Size: 13" x 20'.
Category
20th Century Asian Malayer Persian Rugs
Materials
Cotton, Foam, Wool
Turkish Rug Pillow with Multiple Borders
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from an antique Turkish rug with cotton back. Zipper closure.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Oushak Turkish Rugs
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Mexican Carved Hand Chair in the Style of Pedro Friedeberg, circa 1960
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Camden, ME
A finely detailed studio carved cocobolo hand chair crafted in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico, circa 1960.
The Studio carved hand has an incised love line and life line.
The artist ha...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Cocobolo
e15 Selected Bigfoot Dice Table by Geoff McFetridge
By Geoff McFetridge, e15
Located in New York, NY
Artist and illustrator Geoff McFetridge creates the limited edition Bigfoot dice celebrating the twentieth year of e15 and its first product, the icon...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Tables
Materials
Oak
1960s Dyrlund Teak Sideboard with Sliding Doors and Drawers Danish Modern Design
By Peter Hvidt, H.P. Hansen, Dyrlund
Located in Hamminkeln, DE
Fantastic 1960s teak sideboard, made in Denmark, with two sliding doors and 6 solid drawers. Overall a good condition, only minor wear consistent with ag...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Teak
Driftwood Table/Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive all teak wood desk or table. Solid driftwood top and three sturdy legs. Great for indoor or outdoor use.
(Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer)
Category
20th Century Rustic Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Driftwood
A Pair of French Art Deco Desk or Bridge Armchairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Pair of French Art Deco beech desk / bridge armchairs.
Category
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Armchairs
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Russell Woodard Sculptura Arm Chairs Outdoor Indoor
By Russell Woodard, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Wayne, NJ
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern russell woodard sculptura dining chairs outdoor indoor.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Black Danish Wall Lamp with Brass Detailing by Fog & Mørup, 1950s
By Fog & Mørup
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This adjustable wall lamp was both designed and manufactured by Fog & Mørup in Denmark during the 1950s. The lamp features a folded matté black shade and a flexible brass gooseneck. ...
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Salviati Venetian Antique Pink Ribbons Aventurine Italian Art Glass Dish Bowl
By Antonio Salviati
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Venetian hand blown copper aventurine and twisted pink ribbons Italian art glass nut dish, candy bowl. The piece also has an aventurine rim, which is unusual. Docum...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Decorative Dishes and Vide-P...
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
French Togo Sofa in Dark Cognac Leather by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, 1974
By Ligne Roset, Michel Ducaroy
Located in Eindhoven, Noord Brabant
Michel Ducaroy designed the Togo in 1973 for Ligne Roset. This design is over 40 years old but still is until today very popular. The Togo is also the first piece of furniture that's...
Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Foam
Beautiful Edelkeramik Handmade Vase, West Germany, 1950s
By Ilkra Edel Keramik 1
Located in Antwerp, BE
A gorgeous vase made of red clay by Ilkra Edelkeramik,
Ransbach-Baumbach, West Germany. Labeled.
A beautiful handmade vase with carved horizontal rings, green, brown and white. ...
Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Rectangle Concrete Outdoor Handle Planter
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural 23.5" long rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted circa 1...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Concrete
Swedish Vintage Sculpture Hand Carved Wooden Man Figurine, 1973
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Expressive, rustic Swedish folklore midcentury wooden decorative sculpture of an older man in a traditional Swedish outfit. He stands leani...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Georges Pelletier Large Mid-Century Sculptural Ceramic Table Lamp
Located in Miami, FL
Large and very decorative table lamp from Vallauris, France. Very attractive midcentury modern ceramic table lamp with neutral colors and form. This lamp has notable sculptural work ...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Ceramic
French Late 18th/ Early 19th Century Carved Stone Winged Angel Head
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered carved stone angel head.
France, circa 1780-1840. Good but weathered condition
Measurement here below includes the wooden pedestal.
Category
Antique 18th Century French Neoclassical Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Rare Antique Print of Various Medals of Sweden & Norway ‘III’ , 1843
Located in Langweer, NL
Plate 46: 'Zweden en Noorwegen'. Seraphijnen Orde. This print originates from ‘Geschiedkundige beschrijving der oudere en nieuwere, thans bestaande Ridderorden. - Afbeeldingen der Ri...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
German Art Deco Oak Filing Cabinet / Bank of Drawers, circa 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
This filing cabinet was produced during the 1950s in Germany. The cabinet features 25 drawers with nice card holders and pulls.
Category
Vintage 1950s Art Deco Cabinets
Materials
Oak
Reversible Teak & Formica Coffee Table by Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesen, Signed
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A classic 1960s reversible coffee table by Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesen, which can also be used as an end table, side table or occasional tab...
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern End Tables
Materials
Formica, Teak
Antique Grand Tour Bronze Figure of a Young Athletic Male
By Fonderia Chiurazzi
Located in London, GB
An exquisite 'Grand Tour' bronze figure of a young athlete, one of the two known as the 'Herculaneum Runners' or Corridori d'Ercolano, after the original excavated at the Villa of th...
Category
Antique 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
New Geometric Kilim Cushion Cover Handwoven Oriental Scatter Cushion
Located in Hampshire, GB
This new traditional kilim cushion cover is a handwoven piece constructed in the early 21st century. The design has been delicately woven by hand and features a symmetrical geometric pattern that is sure to stand out on any sofa or armchair! This piece has been made with a bold colour palette including blue, red and beige colours. Both the colour and design make it the perfect accent accessory for any room in your home. Made by master weavers who use only the finest. locally sourced materials. Including hand-spun wool and cotton that have been dyed using organic, non-toxic, dyeing techniques that have been used for generations. Add a touch of colour and texture to your home interior with this fine wool cushion cover.
We have various colours and styles available to mix and match to suit your taste and interior!
Excellent condition, ready for use!
New geometric kilim cushion cover handwoven oriental scatter cushion...
Category
Early 2000s Afghan Kilim Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
Postmodern Memphis Style Bar Stool, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Single bar stool in the style of Memphis Milano circa 1980s. Teal fabric cover is easily replaceable. Gray tubular steel frame.
Category
Vintage 1980s Unknown Post-Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Modern Area Rug Swedish Design
Located in Dallas, TX
Modern Area rug handwoven from the finest sheep’s wool. It’s colored with all-natural vegetable dyes that are safe for humans and pets. It’s a traditional Swedish design handwoven by...
Category
2010s Indian Scandinavian Modern Indian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Classical Style Painted Wastebasket or Planter, Sold Singly
Located in Sheffield, MA
Rustic and classical at the same time, painted iron waste basket or trash can or planter with wonderful patina, X-design. Waste basket.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Neoclassical Decorative Baskets
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Desk Lamp by Štěpán Tabery, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
By Stefan Tabery, OPP Jihlava
Located in Lucenec, SK
This table lamp was designed by the Czech designer Štepán Tabery for OPP Jihlava in the 1960s. It's made from opaline glass and is in great original condition. Original functional wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Glass, Opaline Glass
'Circle of Life' Dining or Center Table by Design Institute America, 1980's
By Design Institute America
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The "Circle of Life" table is unique Post-Modern design by Design Institute America (DIA) designed and produced in the 1980s. Ideal as a dining table, cafe or breakfast table, games ...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Steel
Bauhaus Porcelain Wall Lamp, Germany, 1920s
By Bauhaus
Located in Wien, AT
Bauhaus porcelain wall lamp, Germany, 1920s
Original condition.
Category
Vintage 1920s Austrian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Porcelain
Whitewashed Ash Linderman Wall-Mounted Desk with Leather Wrapped Drawer in Stock
By New York Heartwoods
Located in Accord, NY
New York Heartwoods' Linderman wall-mounted desk is influenced by Mid-Century Modern, Shaker and Asian design, and features a hand-shaped base, leather wrapped pen drawer (shown here...
Category
2010s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Ash, Leather
Antique Art Deco Rush Seat Bobbin Turned Corner Chair
Located in Bristol, GB
Early European (probably Dutch) 20th century oak bobbin turned corner chair with rush seat.
Excellent condition, all original, no old repairs or modifications.
Category
Early 20th Century European Corner Chairs
Materials
Rush, Oak
Set of Four Orange Leather Tucroma Chairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani, New
By i4 Mariani, Guido Faleschini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Currently, the most coveted dining chairs by interior designers are 'Tucroma' chairs by Guido Faleschini for i4 Mariani, and we have this incredible set of four (4) Tucroma armchairs in beautiful hot orange leather with polished chrome frames. The seats and backs have supple orange leather upholstery and are attached to graceful polished steel tubular frames, as well as being bridged together by wide orange leather straps at the back with hand-tied detail. Signed with Mariani label.
This set is brand new, with tags and each chair in its own Mariani box. The leather option selected for this set was an upgraded full grain Italian leather and is much thicker and higher quality than vintage examples. This set of 4 are available immediately and we have 8 more chairs available if you wish to make a larger set, contact us for details.
i4 Mariani was a specialty Italian design division of the Pace Collection and Guido Faleschini was the star designer who created famous designs such as the Tucroma line and a line of bedroom furniture for Hermès. Mariani still produces the Tucroma chair to the same specifications as the 1970s along with a full line of high quality designs with expert Italian craftsmanship. We carry a large selection of designs by i4 Mariani and Guido Faleschini, contact us if you are looking for anything else.
This is an interior design magazine cover worthy set of chairs and would look so amazing with a marble or travertine dining table, such as designs by Angelo Mangiarotti and Roche Bobois or lacquered goatskin tables by Karl Springer and Steve Chase.
This sleek set of dining / arm / side chairs by Guido Faleschini for Mariani would inject some 1970s Italian modern into any interior and would compliment various locations such as a Mid-Century Modern, Contemporary, Postmodern, neoclassical, or Transitional dining room...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Versailles Flower Pot and Saucer, Set of 2
By Poterie Normand
Located in Mareil-Marly, Yvelines
Handmade reproduction of the original 18th century Marie-Antoinette flower pots with saucers in blue and white enameled, frost-proof stoneware. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Louis XVI Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic
Geometric Kilim Cushion Cover Handwoven Blue Red Scatter Cushion Pillow
Located in Hampshire, GB
This new traditional kilim cushion cover is a handwoven piece constructed in the early 21st century. The design has been delicately woven by hand and features a symmetrical geometric...
Category
Early 2000s Afghan Modern Pillows and Throws
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
Monumental 38" Willy Guhl for Eternit 'Diablo' Concrete Planter, c 1968, Signed
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredibly gorgeous 38" tall and 22" diameter 'Diablo' concrete spindel planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968, Switzerland. This sculptural hourglass shaped concrete planter has a white exterior finish. Signed inside with Eternit numbers.
We have a large collection of Willy Guhl for Eternit pots, planters, garden objects, jardinières, and patio furniture. We always have inventory in Diablo's, Tilted and Cone Planters, box and rectangular Guhl...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Concrete
Antique M. Hayat & Bros Ltd Twin Pedestal Partners Desk with Drawers Both Sides
By M. Hayat & Bros Ltd.
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Stunning M. Hayat & Bros Anglo Indian Twin Pedestal Desk.
The M. Hayat & Bros Anglo Indian Twin Pedestal Partners Desk is an exquisite piec...
Category
20th Century Pakistani Anglo-Indian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Leather Lion Footstool by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie & Fitch, 1960s, Signed
By Dimitri Omersa, Abercrombie & Fitch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful collectors example of an original leather lion footstool by Dimitri Omersa for Abercrombie and Fitch, circa 1960s to 1970s. This exa...
Category
Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Materials
Leather
Portrait of D. Maria Bárbara De Bragança, Circle of Louis-Michel Van Loo
By H. van Loon
Located in Lisboa, PT
PORTRAIT OF D. MARIA BÁRBARA DE BRAGANÇA (1711-1758), QUEEN OF SPAIN
Circle of Louis-Michel van Loo (1707-1771)
Oil on canvas
Her Royal Highness, the Infanta Maria Barbara of Braganza (1711-1758) was the first-born child of King John V of Portugal (1689-1750) and his queen consort Maria Anna of Austria (1683-1754). Born in December 1711, she had the Convent Palace of Mafra built in her honour following a vow made by her royal father. Her status as Princess of Brazil, inherent to 18th century Portuguese presumptive heirs, would however be superseded once the queen gave birth to two male princes, D. Pedro (1712-1714) and D. José (1714-1777), preventing her from ascending to the throne.
Daughter of one of the most illustrious monarchs of his time, Maria Barbara was carefully educated to become a fond admirer of the arts, and of music in particular, having had the Italian composer Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757) as her music teacher.
On the 10th January 1723 the young princess was betrothed to the Infante Ferdinand of Spain (1713-1759), eldest son of King Philip V (1683-1746). Six years later, on the 19th January, she entered her new country in a carefully choreographed ceremony that became known to history as the “Exchange of the Princesses”. This unique event took place on a specially built Bridge-Palace, a wooden, luxuriously decorated structure that included various modules and rooms, on both banks of the river Caia, the natural border between the town of Elvas in Portugal and of Badajoz in Spain. Simultaneously, on the same day that the Portuguese Infanta crossed the border to marry the Spanish Crown Prince, her new sister in law, the Infanta Mariana Victoria of Bourbon (1718-1781), her husband’s sister, crossed the same bridge in the opposite direction to marry Prince D. José, the Portuguese heir to the throne.
Once married, Maria Barbara would spend 17 years as Princess of Asturias, only becoming Queen of Spain at her husband’s accession following the death of Philip V in 1746. She is portrayed in the 1743 painting by Louis-Michel van Loo (1707-1771) now in the Prado Museum, in which Philip V had himself represented with all his close family.
The new Queen would take an important role at court eventually becoming the liaison between her husband and the King of Portugal, particularly throughout the negotiations for the Treaty of Madrid (1746-1750). Maintaining her interest in music, she patronized the Italian castrato singer Farinelli (1705-1782) while remaining close to her old master Scarlatti, having herself composed some sonatas for a large orchestra. She would also commission and fund the building of the Royal Salesians Monastery complex in central Madrid, where both her and Ferdinand VI are buried.
The portrait we are presenting for sale shows the Queen in half-length, turning left at three quarters. She is wearing a blue low-cut dress embroidered with flowers and foliage, over a lace cuffed white blouse, and an ermine cloak pined on the left-hand side by a diamond broach. The powdered hair style is held sideways by a seven diamond and black plume headdress and topped by a small gold and pearl crown. The right arm rests on a cushion while the left hand, at chest height, holds a miniature male portrait.
The Infanta’s features are analogous to the 1725 portrait by the painter Domenico Duprà (1689-1770), also in the Prado Museum collection. Further similarities can be found in another portrait by Louis-Michel van Loo, in which a seven diamond and black plume headdress is also present. In this work, the cushion supporting Maria Barbara’s right arm has also some obvious similarities to our painting. The same diamond headdress reappears in Van Loo’s above-mentioned portrait of Philip V’s family dated from 1743.
It is nevertheless in Lisbon’s Ajuda National Palace that it is possible to find an almost identical depiction of the Infanta holding a miniature portrait of her husband. In it, the future Ferdinand VI is portrayed facing right at three quarters and wearing a curly wig, suit of armour, the golden fleece insignia and a blue band, in a composition that closely resembles an 18th century Spanish school painting that appeared in the art market in January 2016.
Another detail common to various portraits of the Portuguese Infanta and Queen of Spain is the small gold and pearl crown on her head. In another Van Loo painting, also from the Prado Museum, in which Maria Barbara is portrayed as Queen, this crown is represented together with a headdress similar to the one previously described. Another two paintings by the same artist, at the Royal Academy of Saint Ferdinand, include the same ornament.
We must also refer the paintings by the artist Jean Ranc (1674-1735). In one, dating from 1729 (Prado Museum), the Infanta is depicted outdoors holding a flower bouquet and wearing a yellow silk dress with red cloak, and a set of diamond and ruby jewellery that includes a headdress similar to the one present in our portrait. Another work by the same artist, belonging to the Complutence University of Madrid, depicts the Infanta sumptuously dressed in identical colours to our painting and wearing an elaborate headdress and diadem.
These portraits, beyond their iconographical importance as contemporary records of the Infanta and Queen Maria Barbara, are also illustrative of 18th century fashion for jewelled head dressing. Often, flowers were combined with joyful adornments, composing almost theatrical displays that would reinforce the ostentatious nature of the image. The ornamental flowers and the chromatic character of the jewels would complement the luxury of the colourful dresses in blue, crimson, green or other silk shades, in compositions whose sole purpose was to highlight a royal sitter’s wealth and power, becoming an essential statement accessory within the strict court protocols and codes of conduct.
Circle of Louis-Michel van Loo (1707-1771)
Slowly but steadily, the resolute, tranquil and dignified attitude of Renaissance and Baroque portraiture becomes artificial and presumptuous. Mid 18th century society favours elusive expression and psychological deepness, albeit limited to the face, that, with emphasis on detail, on the rich colour palette and on changing costumes and landscapes, associated to the courtliness of gestures, creates a strongly artificial environment while maintaining a highly poetic intrinsic character.
Louis-Michel van Loo followed a dynasty of famous Dutch origin artists that had settled in France. Initially taught by his father, Jean-Baptiste von Loo (1684-1745), the younger van Loo studied in Turin and Rome and frequented the Paris Academy. In Rome he worked with his uncle Charles-André van Loo (1705-1765) and become a painter for the Turin Court. In 1737 he arrived in Spain being summoned by Philip V to succeed Jean Ranc as painter of the king’s chamber.
In Madrid, his work covers the numerous Court commissions and the Royal Saint Ferdinand Fine Arts Academy, of which he was a founding member and director for the Painting department in 1752. Is production at court consisted essentially of numerous portrait paintings, often Royal gifts...
Category
Antique 18th Century Spanish Baroque Paintings
Materials
Canvas
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