{"title":"Luxury Sculpture","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLuxury Sculpture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"tete-de-cariatide-by-amedeo-modigliani","title":"Tête de cariatide by Amedeo Modigliani","description":"Amedeo Modigliani\u003cbr\u003e 1884-1920 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eTête de cariatide\u003cbr\u003e Head of Caryatid\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “Modigliani” and numbered “1\/8” (near base)\u003cbr\u003e Bronze \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The figural works of the iconic modernist Amedeo Modigliani are known for their instantly recognizable style, and they are among the most coveted in the world of art collecting, with Modigliani ranking among the world’s ten most valuable artists of all time. This monumental bronze, conceived by the artist in 1910, demonstrates his mastery of sculpture. Sculpting was the artist’s self-proclaimed first and true passion — a fact sometimes overlooked due to the success of his paintings and the overwhelming rarity of his sculptures. His famed \u003cem\u003eTête\u003c\/em\u003e series from which this bronze hails stands as his most important sculptural output, with works recognized for their timeless quality and strong, stoic presence. \u003cem\u003eTête de cariatide\u003c\/em\u003e reflects these qualities and provides a compelling glimpse into Modigliani’s greatest artistic passion. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This bronze is an enlarged casting of a wooden sculpture — the only known sculpture that Modigliani carved in wood rather than stone. Commissioned posthumously by Modigliani’s daughter Jeanne alongside the Modigliani Institute, the bronze iteration here perfectly captures the rich woodgrain texture of Modigliani’s original carving and retains its careful compositional balance. Soulful and intense, it reflects the exaggerated yet elegant elongation of the artist’s figural paintings, which became his much sought-after signature style. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Modigliani’s interest in African and other non-Western art is well-documented. This bronze is reminiscent of a tribal mask or ancient deity, both due to its exaggerated features and the totemic appearance achieved by the work’s texture, meditative presence and sheer size. Yet the work also alludes to the artist’s Italian heritage and training. A \u003cem\u003ecaryatid\u003c\/em\u003e is a staple of classical architecture, an ornate column typically found on the façade of a temple that takes the form of a female figure, with the most famous examples being on the Acropolis of Athens. The present sculpture exudes the same striking, memorable quality. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Born in Livorno, Italy in 1884, Modigliani dreamed of becoming a sculptor from a young age when he first encountered the grand marbles of Michelangelo. He moved to Paris in 1906, but it was not until 1909 after meeting modernist sculptor Constantin Brancusi that he began carving figures. For a time, he devoted himself almost entirely to sculpting, completing very few paintings between 1911 and 1914 but producing several sketches and gouaches relating to his sculptural projects. Modigliani exhibited a series of his sculptures in the 1912 Salon d'Automne. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Among the reasons Modigliani’s work is so highly sought after is the fact that the artist died at the premature age of 35, limiting his entire lifetime production to under 400 total artworks. Within that number, his sculptures are exceedingly rare; he only created around twenty-six total, most of which are held in museums such as the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rauantiques.my.salesforce.com\/sfc\/p\/A0000000JY02\/a\/8X000000Mkwr\/_r4uxYiGjjJa8_gf3TQ_8yguH7YnCN6LUqZNokwL0Hg\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMuseum of Modern Art (New York), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) and the Tate Gallery (London).\u003c\/a\u003e Modigliani suffered from tubercular meningitis his entire life, which ultimately limited his ability to continue to pursue the physical and laborious art of sculpting, emphasizing this bronze’s importance and rarity with the artist's oeuvre.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The other editions of this series can be found in public collections worldwide, including Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the exterior of the Casa Natale Modigliani in Rome, which houses the Modigliani Institut archives. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conceived in 1910. Posthumous, contemporary casting circa 2006. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bears the foundry mark of Paolo Olmeda as well as the artist’s signature and edition number “1\/8” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/landing.rauantiques.com\/modigliani-insights\/\" target=\"new\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSee auction comparables and market data\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 24\" wide x 34\" deep x 90\" high\u003cbr\u003e Base: 35 3\/4\" wide x 45 3\/4\" deep x 28\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800539201858,"sku":null,"price":1850000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-4791_1_ffb8040f-a049-45d8-9950-e7108d1f8320.png?v=1768068289"},{"product_id":"pair-of-carrara-marble-busts-of-the-emperor-napoleon-and-empress-marie-louise","title":"Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise","description":"\u003cem\u003e\"I am a true Roman Emperor; I am of the best race of the Caesars—those who are founders.\" –Napoleon Bonaparte, 1812\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Among the most iconic and celebrated figures in history, Napoleon Bonaparte's legacy has been immortalized in countless works of art. Yet few pieces carry the personal significance and rarity of this extraordinary pair of Carrara marble busts, almost certainly commissioned by the Emperor himself. These stunning sculptures, depicting Napoleon and his second wife, Empress Marie Louise, stand as some of the most exceptional examples of Napoleonic busts not currently housed in a museum—masterpieces of both historical and artistic importance. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The busts were likely imperial commissions created to adorn key locations during Napoleon’s reign, embodying the grandeur of his empire. After Napoleon fell from power, these sculptures passed from his personal collection to the next most significant ruler of 19th-century France: his nephew, Emperor Napoleon III. During his reign, both busts were prominently displayed at the imperial Château de Compiègne, one of Napoleon III’s most important palaces. Following his abdication in 1870, the Emperor and Empress Eugénie took the busts with them into exile in England. They were among the few treasured possessions they could bring. After Napoleon III’s death, the busts were separated by Empress Eugénie and later reunited in 1936 by the esteemed Parisian art dealer Élie Fabius. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e As a visionary leader and cultural influencer, Napoleon was known to commission only the finest artists to craft his likeness in marble. The bust of Empress Marie Louise is signed by the renowned Italian sculptor Gaetano Matteo Monti of Ravenna, likely created around 1810 to commemorate her marriage to the Emperor. Monti’s skill in rendering her delicate features in marble exemplifies his exceptional talent, immortalizing her elegance in stone. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The accompanying bust of Napoleon, attributed to the celebrated sculptor Lorenzo Bartolini, was almost certainly carved earlier, around 1807. Bartolini was one of Napoleon’s favored artists, personally selected by the Emperor to direct the prestigious Carrara sculpture workshop in 1807. The exemplary craftsmanship of this bust, particularly the detailed laurel wreath and the nuanced portrayal of Napoleon's facial musculature, is consistent with Bartolini’s renowned imperial bust now housed at Versailles. This attribution places Napoleon's bust as one of the finest not presently housed in a museum collection. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The only other similar pair of marbles is the one attributed to Angelo Pizzi at the Museo Correr in Venice, highlighting the exceptional rarity and quality of our pair. The finesse of the carving and the elegant compositions of these busts surpass their Venetian counterparts, suggesting that the Pizzi busts in Venice may have been modeled after these superior works by Bartolini and Monti. Napoleon revered the legendary leaders of the Roman Empire—especially the military genius of Julius Caesar—and many of his iconic images, including these busts, posed Napoleon and his Empire as heirs to the great dynasty of Caesars. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Standing on beautiful matching bases, these monumental busts possess both an imposing presence and an undeniable beauty. Their storied provenance—having graced the imperial residence of both Napoleon I and Napoleon III—makes them an extraordinary find. To own these very works, once displayed with pride by two of history’s most significant rulers, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. These busts are more than fine marble sculptures. They are tangible links to the grandeur and legacy of the Napoleonic Empire, embodying the iconic reign and strategic genius of one of the most legendary leaders in history, Napoleon Bonaparte. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bust of Marie Louise signed \"GMR\" for Gaetano Matteo Monti of Ravenna \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1807 and 1810 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bust of Napoleon: 30 1\/16\" high x 24\" wide x 12 1\/2\" deep\u003cbr\u003e On base: 74 3\/8\" high \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bust of Marie Louise: 30 9\/16\" high x 20\" wide x 13 1\/8\" deep\u003cbr\u003e On Base: 74\" high \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rau-sfimages.s3.amazonaws.com\/dossier\/Dossier_31-9781.pdf\" target=\"new\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eView the Book\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eProvenance of the Bust of Napoleon:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Commissioned by Napoleon I, Château de Compiègne (likely), circa 1807\u003cbr\u003e The personal collection of Emperor Napoleon III at Château de Compiègne\u003cbr\u003e Thence to Napoleon III’s widow, the Empress Eugénie\u003cbr\u003e Gifted to Firmin Rainbeaux by Empress Eugénie on 18th April 1881\u003cbr\u003e By descent from Firmin Rainbeaux to his son Félix Rainbeaux\u003cbr\u003e Sale, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, “Succession de M. Félix Rainbeaux, Fils de Firmin Rainbeaux, écuyer de l’Empereur Napoleon III souvenirs napoléoniens: fusils, pistolets, couteaux de vénerie, dagues, miniatures etc,” 23rd October 1936, lot 267\u003cbr\u003e Élie Fabius, purchased from the above sale\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Stuttgart, Germany\u003cbr\u003e Sale, Galerie Koller, Zurich, 2nd November 1995, lot 4162, with bust of Marie Louise, both illustrated on the front cover\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Switzerland\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eProvenance of the Bust of Marie Louise:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Commissioned by Napoleon I, Château de Compiègne (likely), circa 1810\u003cbr\u003e The personal collection of Emperor Napoleon III at Château de Compiègne\u003cbr\u003e Thence to Napoleon III’s widow, the Empress Eugénie\u003cbr\u003e Sale, Hampton \u0026amp; Sons of London, “English and French Furniture, the Remaining Library, Porcelain, Sculpture, Bronzes, Table Plate, China and Glass Services, Pictures, Drawings, Prints, Vintage Wines etc” from Empress Eugénie’s home at Farnborough Hill, Hampshire, 18–27th July 1927, lot 1328\u003cbr\u003e Élie Fabius, purchased from the above sale\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Stuttgart\u003cbr\u003e Sale, Galerie Koller, Zurich, 2nd November 1995, lot 4162, with bust of Napoleon, both illustrated on the front cover\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Switzerland\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Georges Mauguin, “L’Iconographie Napoléonnienne au Palais National des Arts”, in \u003cem\u003eRevue de l’Institut Napoléon\u003c\/em\u003e, 1er trimestre, 1938; opposite p. 40, illustrated\u003cbr\u003e Gérard Hubert, \u003cem\u003eLa Sculpture dans l’Italie Napoléonienne\u003c\/em\u003e, 1964, p. 349, illustrated\u003cbr\u003e Galerie Koller, Zürich, Sale catalogue, \u003cem\u003eEine Hochbedeutende Europäische Privatsammlung: Napoleonica, möbel, bronzen, pendulen, skulpturen, gemälde, miniaturen\u003c\/em\u003e, 02 November 1995, lot 4162, illustrated\u003cbr\u003e Gérard Hubert and Guy Ledoux-Lebard, \u003cem\u003eNapoléon, portraits contemporains bustes et statues\u003c\/em\u003e, 1999, p. 98, pl. 70, illustrated\u003cbr\u003e Olivier Gabet, \u003cem\u003eUn marchand entre deux empires - Élie Fabius et le monde de l’art\u003c\/em\u003e, 2011, p. 77\u003cbr\u003e Enrico Noè, “Lo scultore Angelo Pizzi (Milano 1775–Venezia 1819)” in \u003cem\u003eSaggi e Memorie di storia dell’arte\u003c\/em\u003e, vol. 36, 2012, p. 264, pl. 48 \u0026amp; p. 265, pl. 49, illustrated \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eExhibited:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Musée National de Malmaison, \u003cem\u003eDe Napoleon Ier à Napoleon III, Souvenirs de la Famille Impériale, Conservés par l’Impératrice Eugénie dans sa Résidence de Farnborough et Provenant de sa Succession\u003c\/em\u003e 1928, no. 15, p. 10\u003cbr\u003e Musée de l’Orangerie, Paris, \u003cem\u003eSouvenirs du Roi de Rome\u003c\/em\u003e, 1932, no. 209\u003cbr\u003e Bibliothèque National, Paris, \u003cem\u003e318 Lettres de Napoléon à Marie-Louise\u003c\/em\u003e, 1935, no. 10\u003cbr\u003e Palais National des Arts, Paris, \u003cem\u003eChefs d’Oeuvre de l’Art Français\u003c\/em\u003e, 1937, nos. 1105 \u0026amp; 1106\u003cbr\u003e The World’s Fair, New York, \u003cem\u003eFive Centuries of History Mirrored in Five Centuries of French Art\u003c\/em\u003e, 1939, no. 322, pl. LV \u0026amp; no. 323, pl. LIV","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800543723842,"sku":null,"price":1650000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-9781_1_6f3246a8-b8cc-49da-b85d-30668472d908.png?v=1768068293"},{"product_id":"leternel-printemps-by-auguste-rodin","title":"L'Éternel Printemps by Auguste Rodin","description":"Auguste Rodin\u003cbr\u003e 1840-1917 | French \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eL'Éternel Printemps\u003cbr\u003e (The Eternal Spring)\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bronze with brown patina\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"Rodin\" (on base), with Barbedienne foundry mark \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Perhaps one of the most well-known and celebrated sculptures of his oeuvre, Auguste Rodin's passionate bronze \u003cem\u003eL'Éternel Printemps\u003c\/em\u003e is the embodiment of this artist's rare genius. Conceived in 1884, the bronze is regarded as one of the masterpieces of his mature output, conveying a sensuality and aura of passionate love from every angle. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This work was conceived at the height of Rodin's career in 1884, during an intense period of work on his pivotal \u003cem\u003eGates of Hell\u003c\/em\u003e commission. It tells the age-old narrative of forbidden love, depicting the affair of Francesca da Rimini and Paolo Malatesta, who famously appear in Dante's \u003cem\u003eInferno\u003c\/em\u003e for their transgression. Highlighting the lovers' bliss rather than their ultimate punishment, Rodin felt the bronze was too joyful and removed it from his \u003cem\u003eGates of Hell\u003c\/em\u003e. Instead, he executed it as a stand-alone sculpture that would become one of his most acclaimed and beloved works. \u003cem\u003eThe Kiss\u003c\/em\u003e, another masterpiece by the sculptor, shares a similar origin and subject, though \u003cem\u003eL'Éternel Printemps\u003c\/em\u003e is more dynamic in its pose. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Rodin's technical mastery was unmatched in his day, and by the turn of the century, he was regarded as the best sculptor since Michelangelo. His composition is dynamic from every angle, utilizing negative space in the arch of the woman's back and her lover's outstretched arm to create movement and feeling. Like many of his major works, Rodin looked back to one of his previous models in order to develop his amorous lovers. The female figure is based on his sensuous \u003cem\u003eTorso of Adèle\u003c\/em\u003e (Musée Rodin, Paris), which appears in the upper left-hand corner of the tympanum of his \u003cem\u003eGates of Hell\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003eL'Éternel Printemps\u003c\/em\u003e is also believed to resemble Camille Claudel, a sculptor with whom Rodin began a passionate affair after she joined his studio in 1882. The autobiographical element of Rodin's own forbidden love perhaps accounts for the work's intimacy and intensity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e After its successful showing at the \u003cem\u003eSalon\u003c\/em\u003e of 1897, Rodin awarded the casting of this bronze to the Barbedienne foundry in 1898. This sculpture is from the founder's second reduction, meaning it is the second largest of four versions they produced. It was also importantly cast during Rodin's lifetime and thus under his supervision, between 1905-1910. Other versions of this bronze can be found in museums worldwide, including the Musée Rodin (Paris), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), the Museum of Fine Arts (Boston) and others. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Auguste Rodin is counted among the greatest artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, along with names such as van Gogh, Monet and Renoir. In the history of sculpture, he occupies a place even more important than his painterly contemporaries, for he alone revived the art of sculpture, returning it to prominence among mainstream art. During the mid-1870s, after two decades of struggling as an artist, Rodin visited Italy and studied the works of Michelangelo, who inspired his first major work, \u003cem\u003eThe Bronze Age\u003c\/em\u003e. Exhibited in Brussels in 1877, it was so well received that the State purchased the work in 1880, which led to the commission of Rodin's \u003cem\u003eThe Gates of Hell\u003c\/em\u003e. His works, so naturalistic and expressive in detail, were far removed from conventional, decorative sculpture and ultimately transformed the history of art. Today, he is widely regarded as the father of modern sculpture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This important work is accompanied by a letter from the Comité Auguste Rodin confirming it will be included in the forthcoming \u003cem\u003eCatalogue Critique de l’Oeuvre Sculpté d’Auguste Rodin\u003c\/em\u003e by Jérôme Le Blay. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conceived in 1884; cast between 1905-1910  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 20 1\/4\" high x 26\" wide x 13\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, Argentina, acquired in the 1910s\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, France\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, Texas\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800543920450,"sku":null,"price":1285000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/32-1428_1.png?v=1768068298"},{"product_id":"el-sueno-by-fernando-botero","title":"El Sueño by Fernando Botero","description":"Fernando Botero\u003cbr\u003e 1932-2023 | Colombian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eEl Sueño\u003cbr\u003e (The Dream)\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed and numbered 4\/6\u003cbr\u003e Bronze \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Representing one of Fernando Botero's most coveted subjects and executed at the height of his sculptural mastery, \u003cem\u003eEl Sueño\u003c\/em\u003e captures the Colombian master's distinctive vision in three-dimensional form. Created in 1996, this rare bronze exemplifies Botero's unparalleled ability to transform his signature volumetric style into tactile reality, embodying his belief that \"sculptures permit me to create real volume... one can give them smoothness, the sensuality that one wants.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Botero's extraordinary technique gives the reclining female figure an almost impossibly soft quality that invites contemplation of both physical and spiritual beauty. Her serene expression and graceful positioning convey the peaceful state of dreaming, while the delicate bird perched upon her form is one of Botero's most beloved natural motifs. Every curve and contour reveals Botero's commitment to creating what he described as \"the new reality that you create\" through sculpture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fernando Botero achieved international recognition unmatched by any other Latin American artist of his generation, with his works residing in the collections of major institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Another edition of this sculpture, \u003cem\u003eEl Sueño\u003c\/em\u003e, belongs to the Museo Botero, an entire museum dedicated to the artist's legacy in Bogotá. Botero's sculptures also consistently command the highest prices in his market, with three of his four top auction records brought by monumental bronzes. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Inspired by his exposure to Renaissance masters during his travels in Italy in the 1950s, Botero began sculpting in the 1960s and became so devoted to the medium that he completely abandoned painting between 1976 and 1977. His sculptural oeuvre represents the ultimate expression of his artistic philosophy, allowing him to give physical presence to his distinctive vision of beauty and exaggerated proportions. Following the artist's death in 2023, his market has experienced exponential growth, with collectors and institutions recognizing the enduring significance of his contribution to contemporary sculpture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Cast 1996 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 11 1\/2\" high x 26 7\/8\" wide x 11 1\/2\" deep (29.21 x 68.26 x 29.21 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Contini Galleria d'Arte, Venice\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Colorado, purchased from the above\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800543985986,"sku":null,"price":498500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/32-1361_1.png?v=1768068304"},{"product_id":"venetian-figural-torcheres-17th-century","title":"Venetian Figural Torchères, 17th Century","description":"Carved wooden torchères\u003cbr\u003e Venetian artist\u003cbr\u003e Early 17th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Awe-inspiring in size and artistry, these incredible Venetian figural torchères pay homage to two of Italy’s most celebrated merchant explorers–Marco Polo and Amerigo Vespucci. Standing over nine feet high, these impressive carved wood sculptures were crafted in the late Renaissance in the Lombardo manner and are masterpieces of the centuries-old tradition of Venetian woodcarving. Most works executed during this era were ecclesiastical or architectural in nature, such as the Archangel torchères found in the Palazzo Moncenigo in Venice, a fact that makes these substantial secular figures an incredible rarity. Given their depiction of historical figures, these torchères would most likely have been specially commissioned by a wealthy Venetian merchant or public official to be displayed at the entrance of his palace. Outside of the similar pair housed in the Doge’s Palace in Venice, these figures are the only other secular pair known to exist anywhere in the world.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Displaying incredible attention to detail, the merchant explorers are rendered in exotic clothing inspired by their travels that forever changed the course of history. Retaining much of their original paint, a combination of gilt, polychrome and natural wood gives these imposing sculptures a dynamic and more life-like appearance. Known in Italy as androne torchère, these figures would have flanked the entrance hall stairwell making an unquestionably grand impression upon visitors.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wooden sculptures of this immense quality and scale would be nearly impossible to survive in the condition of the present pair. The passage of nearly 400 years, combined with the regularity of floods throughout Venice’s history, make these figural torchères among the rarest works of Venetian art on the market today.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Each: 114” high x 44” wide x 30” deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800544051522,"sku":null,"price":348500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/30-3346_1.png?v=1768068311"},{"product_id":"bust-of-pope-innocent-xi-odescalchi-by-domenico-guidi","title":"Bust of Pope Innocent XI Odescalchi by Domenico Guidi","description":"Domenico Guidi\u003cbr\u003e 1625-1701 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eBust of Pope Innocent XI Odescalchi\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Carrara marble \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This monumental bust is a museum-quality example of Roman Baroque sculpture. Crafted by the legendary Domenico Guidi and carved from Carrara marble, the impressive portrait captures the visage of Pope Innocent XI, Benedetto Odescalchi (1611-1689). It presents a larger-than-life example of Guidi’s remarkable skill as a sculptor, which ultimately made his workshop one of the most important in Rome during his age. Today, his works are rarely found on the market, particularly his extraordinary works in marble. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pope Innocent XI was born Benedetto Odescalchi into an Italian noble family of prominent bankers. Spending his early years in banking, he eventually turned to the law, earning his doctorate in 1639. His background would serve him well in his service to the papacy, and he became known as a frugal and devout member of the Church. In 1676, he was unanimously elected Pope after the death of Clement X. During his nearly 13-year reign, he instilled his own personal ideals of austerity and frugality onto the Church, with a deep commitment to reform and piety. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e He is captured here by Guidi in his traditional Pope’s mozzetta and camauro cap. A wide stole is draped over his shoulders, ornamented by acanthus leaves and the coat of arms of the Odescalchi family. It displays Guidi’s mastery over the chiaroscuro effect, particularly in the high level of contrast in his cheeks and his eyes, which Guidi achieved through various methods of high polish.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A very similar portrait sculpture of Pope Innocent XI by Guidi can be found in the collection of the Royal Castle in Warsaw. The Warsaw bust belongs to a series of portraits of popes which the Odescalchi family commissioned from Domenico Guidi in the 1690s. Compared to that example, the present bust is far more dramatic, with deeper cut lines and a more precise expression. It is likely that the present piece was seen by the Odescalchi family, who ordered a similar one to be made. The piece was almost certainly intended to be displayed in a niche, given its dramatic cutting and its roughly carved back. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Others of Guidi’s busts can be found in important collections throughout Italy, England and the United States, though many of these are lesser bronze repetitions. A bronze bust of Pope Alexander VIII by Guidi is currently in the collection of the Victoria \u0026amp; Albert Museum (London), while a terracotta version of the same is in the Los Angeles County Museum. A bronze of Pope Alexander VIII can be found in the Princely Collection of Lichtenstein, and his impressive marble papal bust of Clement IX graces the pope’s tomb in Santa Maria Maggiore. The present bust of Pope Innocent XI stands among these impressive examples as a truly museum-quality work by this Baroque master. That ours is also a marble original makes it all the more exceptional. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Domenico Guidi was the nephew of the prominent sculptor Giuliano Finella, and in 1639, he joined his uncle in Naples in order to learn the family business. His first task was a monumental one – he assisted Finella on thirteen statues of saints for the Cathedral in Naples. It was well known that his uncle had an ongoing feud with the great Baroque sculptor Bernini, and thus Guidi never entered his workshop. Instead, he went to Rome to work for Bernini’s main rival Alessandro Algardi in 1648 and, after the master’s death in 1654, began his own independent career. His workshop quickly became one of the most popular in Rome, particularly following the death of Bernini, and he also enjoyed remarkable success in France. Today, his sculptures stand as remarkable examples of the Roman Baroque style. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1690 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 46” high x 35” wide x 17” deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800544149826,"sku":null,"price":298500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/30-7781_1_58a93872-762c-425d-84bd-6248f3881c2a.png?v=1768068314"},{"product_id":"escher-inspired-mobius-strip-ii-by-zadora-gerlof","title":"Escher-Inspired Mobius Strip II by Zadora-Gerlof","description":"Crafted by the famed jeweler and sculptor Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof, this compelling sculpture brings to life the work of the great M.C. Escher. Escher was renowned for his so-called impossible creations, such as his 1963 woodcut \u003cem\u003eMöbius Strip II (Red Ants)\u003c\/em\u003e that inspired the present sculpture. Zadora imparts a remarkable degree of skill and planning in the construction of the piece, bringing Escher’s two-dimensional mathematically-inspired work into the third dimension. The design itself seems to defy gravity, illustrating the genius of these two artistic greats, Escher and Zadora. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e During the mid-20th century, Escher created a series of works on the concept of the Möbius strip, discovered by the German mathematician and astronomer Ferdinand Möbius (1790-1868). A looping surface with one continuous side, a Möbius strip appears at first glance to be physically impossible, but it can, in fact, exist in reality. Escher incorporated the complex in his work for the first time in 1946 with his woodcut \u003cem\u003eHorseman\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003eMöbius Strip I\u003c\/em\u003e from 1961 represents his first fully developed conceptualization of the form, with \u003cem\u003eMöbius Strip II\u003c\/em\u003e following shortly after in 1963. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Zadora brings Escher's vision to life in this large-scale work. Constructed from aluminum, copper and carbon fiber, the piece incorporates gigantic ants into its continuous form. Through a series of complex gear and wheel mechanisms powered by a magnetic and electrical propulsion system, the ants march endlessly around the infinity symbol, making Escher's vision a reality.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Canadian-born sculptor Baron Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof is recognized as the world's leading gemstone artist, and his international clientele includes the world’s most discerning connoisseurs. His pieces, which range from intricate sculptures such as this to innovative bespoke jewelry, are regarded as the most prized decorative artworks in modern times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The sculpture is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Created 2014-15 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 157 1\/2\" high \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibited:\u003cbr\u003e Design Days Dubai, March 16-20, 2015","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800544215362,"sku":null,"price":295000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/30-8669_1_040f692a-287e-46fe-930c-cb9bf2682af4.png?v=1768068320"},{"product_id":"escher-inspired-sculpture-concentric-rinds-by-zadora-gerlof","title":"Escher-Inspired Sculpture \"Concentric Rinds\" by Zadora-Gerlof","description":"Crafted by the famed sculptor Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof, this compelling kinetic aluminum sculpture entitled \u003cem\u003eConcentric Rinds\u003c\/em\u003e brings to life the work of the great M.C. Escher. Escher was renowned for his mathematically-inspired woodcuts, including his ingenious 1953 engraving \u003cem\u003eConcentric Rinds\u003c\/em\u003e that inspired the present sculpture. Zadora brings Escher’s two-dimensional design into the third dimension with his perfectly envisioned and executed creation. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e During the mid-20th century, Escher created a series of etchings that explored spherical geometry in an attempt to draw attention to the negative space of three-dimensional objects. His work \u003cem\u003eConcentric Rinds\u003c\/em\u003e developed from this exploration. Consisting of four spherical shells that each consist of nine circles, Escher's complex sphere is divided into 48 similarly shaped triangles that emphasize the immense, mysterious dark space within which his creation exists. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Zadora brings all of the mathematical precision of Escher's genius design into his large-scale version of the work. His four aluminum spheres are nestled together from small to large, creating a rippling effect when the work is set into motion on its axis. It is powered by a motorized mechanism hidden within its base, ingeniously added by Zadora to fully exploit the incredible visual effects of Escher's original design. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Canadian-born sculptor Baron Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof is recognized as the world's leading gemstone artist, and his international clientele includes the world’s most discerning connoisseurs. His pieces, which range from intricate sculptures such as this to innovative bespoke jewelry, are regarded as the most prized decorative artworks in modern times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The sculpture is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Created 2014-15 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 78 3\/4\" diameter \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibited:\u003cbr\u003e Design Days Dubai, March 16-20, 2015","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800544280898,"sku":null,"price":295000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/30-8670_1_6dbbc383-b409-4f76-8cb9-5539982d065a.png?v=1768068325"},{"product_id":"cleopatra-by-oscar-spalmach","title":"Cleopatra by Oscar Spalmach","description":"Oscar Spalmach\u003cbr\u003e 1864-1917 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eCleopatra\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Marble \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exquisite 19th-century white and grey marble sculpture of Cleopatra, signed by Oscar Spalmach and created in the renowned Studio O. Andreoni in Rome, captures the tragic grace of one of history's most important figures. Spalmach masterfully portrays Cleopatra in a poignant moment of introspection, just before her famous and fateful decision to take her own life. As she gazes at her arm, Cleopatra appears lost in contemplation, reflecting on the act she is about to commit—placing a venomous snake upon it. The sculpture conveys her inner turmoil and resolve, capturing the complexity of her final moments with striking realism. The intricate details—from the finely rendered folds of her garments to her dignified yet resigned expression—showcase Spalmach's remarkable ability to imbue marble with lifelike emotion and texture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Oscar Spalmach, working within the studio of Orazio Andreoni—a name synonymous with excellence in Italian sculpture—exhibited his work at the World's Fairs and across Europe, gaining recognition for his contribution to the art world. The collaboration within Andreoni's studio, noted for its influential role in the artistic renaissance of the period, offered Spalmach an unparalleled platform for his talent. This sculpture, likely produced under Andreoni's supervision, stands as a testament to the studio's legacy and Spalmach's artistry, securing their place in the pantheon of great sculptors. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brief History of Cleopatra:\u003cbr\u003e Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, remains one of history's most compelling figures, celebrated for her intelligence, political acumen and legendary beauty. This sculpture is said to be one of the finest portrayals of the ancient queen in existence. Born in 69 BCE, Cleopatra ascended the throne alongside her brothers, later consolidating power as sole ruler. Cleopatra's reign was marked by alliances and relationships with two of Rome's most powerful figures, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, through which she sought to preserve Egypt's independence amidst Roman expansion. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e After the defeat of her and Antony's forces at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE, and Antony's subsequent suicide, Cleopatra faced the prospect of capture by Octavian (the future Emperor Augustus). Rather than endure humiliation as a captive in Rome, she chose to take her own life in 30 BCE. According to tradition, she used a venomous snake, to administer the fatal bite. This act symbolized both her defiance of Roman domination and her desire to control her own fate, solidifying her legacy as a powerful and tragic figure in history. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 75\" high x 37\" wide x 30\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800544543042,"sku":null,"price":278500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-8588_1_f093cb50-e2fd-4d6f-9cc2-e1d10c51816d.png?v=1768068331"},{"product_id":"sir-winston-churchill-bronze-by-ivor-roberts-jones","title":"Sir Winston Churchill Bronze by Ivor Roberts-Jones","description":"Ivor Roberts-Jones\u003cbr\u003e 1916-1996 | British \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eSir Winston Churchill\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Numbered “132” (on base)\u003cbr\u003e Bronze with a brown patina on a stone base \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e “My dear friends, this is your hour.” These were Winston Churchill’s words as he spoke on the evening of the Allied victory in Europe, and so ended the Second World War. A man of undeniable strength and resilience, Winston Churchill stands as one of the greatest leaders of the modern world. This important bronze masterfully captures the man’s irrepressible air of determination and indomitable character. Crafted by Ivor Roberts-Jones, the sculpture is an edition of the original maquette for the large-scale monument of the prime minister found in Parliament Square. One of England's most recognizable public monuments, it stands as a magnificent tribute to one of the greatest wartime heroes in history. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Roberts-Jones crafted the original maquette in 1971, and it was from this preliminary model that he created his monumental bronze. Following the monument's unveiling, the sculpture was so popular that a series of cast versions of the maquette was created. These were subsequently offered exclusively to Roberts-Jones' clients and the original subscribers to Churchill’s recently published Collected Works. This exceptional example is numbered 132 conceived as an edition of 500 that were cast by Meridian Bronze Foundry. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e It was in 1967, two years after Churchill's death, that the commemorative sculpture of Churchill was first envisioned, and it was decided that Parliament Square was the most appropriate area. In fact, Churchill himself had suggested the location before his death. Eight sculptors were invited to submit designs and compete for the high-profile commission. Roberts-Jones’s maquette was shortlisted, and after a few minor design changes, he was officially awarded the commission in March 1971. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Ivor Roberts-Jones rose to prominence in 1961 thanks to an influential commission from Lord Beaverbrook for a bust of the British playwright Somerset Maugham. He earned his first full-scale commission in 1964 for a sculpture of the British painter Augustus John. After its completion in 1967, Roberts-Jones was elected as an associate of the Royal Academy. He became a full member in 1973, following the completion of his Churchill monument. This bronze is an extraordinary symbol of the sculptor's single greatest achievement. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1971 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 9 3\/4\" wide x 7 1\/4\" deep x 20\" high \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e Peter Cannon-Brookes, \u003cem\u003eIvor Roberts-Jones: The Journey to Harlech\u003c\/em\u003e, London: Trefoli Books, 1983, pp. 51-59 (another cast illustrated). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, Pennsylvania\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800544739650,"sku":null,"price":275000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-9069_1.png?v=1768068336"},{"product_id":"equestrian-portrait-of-louis-xiv-by-girardon","title":"Equestrian Portrait of Louis XIV by Girardon","description":"King Louis XIV, one of France's greatest monarchs, sits confidently astride a prancing steed in this bronze equestrian statue. The extraordinary work is a reduction of the portrait of the Sun King by François Girardon, one of the most noted and influential sculptors of the period. Looking back to the great masterpieces of antiquity, Girardon took his inspiration from the seminal ancient Roman marble of Marcus Aurelius, now in the Musei Capitoline (Rome). Louis XIV is thus portrayed here as a conquering Roman hero, his costume adorned with many neoclassical motifs, hand outstretched in a gesture of command. The result is an imposing royal portrait of power and absolute authority that pays homage to one of the most important sovereigns in French history. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e It was in 1685, at the very height of his rule, when Louis XIV commissioned the monumental bronze of himself from the great Girardon. As sculptor to the king, Girardon was a key figure in the decoration of the gardens at the Château de Versailles, and he was later commissioned to complete several important royal projects, this equestrian sculpture included. The bronze was erected in the Place Louis-le-Grand (now the Place Vêndome) in 1699, but was regrettably destroyed less than a century later during the French Revolution in 1792. One small section of the original does remain — the left foot of the king, which is now held in the Musée Carnavalet (Paris). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Luckily, Girardon recognized the importance of his creation and executed four bronze reductions of the sculpture. Today, three of these four can be found in the British Royal Collection (London), the State Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg) and the Louvre. The example in the Louvre is the only signed reduction cast by Girardon. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Since the 17th century, other reductions of the work have been created, including the present bronze, which dates to the late 19th century. Parisian bronziers such as Henri Dasson and Alfred Beurdeley were among the important makers who re-created the sculpture during this period, and this could have come from their workshops. It is a stunning ode to this great monarch, reflecting the glory of his reign and the glory of France. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The archetype of absolutism in royalty, the 72-year reign of Louis XIV, the longest in European history, not only enhanced the power of the monarchy but catapulted France to become the most powerful nation in Europe. Louis XIV built Versailles during his reign to reflect the grandeur of the King and his court which ruled under the belief, \"One King, One Law, One Faith.\" The period during which he served as King of France became known as \"The Age of Louis XIV.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1820 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sculpture: 36\" wide x 19\" deep x 43\" high\u003cbr\u003e Base: 37 1\/4\" wide x 25\" deep x 30\" high\u003cbr\u003e Total: 37 1\/4\" wide x 25\" deep x 73\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800544903490,"sku":null,"price":228500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-2479_1_0c11a30e-dadd-42a4-a35c-0aef0ed74a84.png?v=1768068342"},{"product_id":"churchill-bronze-bust-by-vivien-mallock-9-12","title":"Churchill Bronze Bust by Vivien Mallock 9\/12","description":"Vivien Mallock\u003cbr\u003e b.1945 | British \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eSir Winston Churchill\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “VM” and numbered \"9\/12\"\u003cbr\u003e Bronze with a brown patina \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Winston Churchill stands as one of the greatest leaders of the modern world and is among the most recognizable figures in Western history. This bronze bust by the English sculptor Vivien Mallock masterfully captures his unmistakable visage, as well as his determined air and strong resilience. It is the ninth in a series of only twelve, and it stands as a compelling tribute to one of the greatest wartime leaders in history. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This bust was first conceived as a commission by the British Ministry of Defence to give as a gift to the United States Department of Defense in 2015, where it was dedicated at the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes. Several sculptors were invited to submit designs and compete for the high-profile commission, but it was Mallock who received the prestigious honor. Following the sculpture’s unveiling, Mallock produced a limited series of twelve bronze casts of the work.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Striking and remarkably true to life, this sculpture captures the Prime Minister’s inner strength and indomitable spirit. Mallock took the unusual step of including her subject’s arms and hands positioned firmly on his chest in the bust — an artistic choice that lends not only personality but also a sense of gravitas and calm confidence to the portrayal. His strong stance and focused gaze reflect this legendary politician's steadfast leadership and resistance to defeat.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Vivien Mallock's artistic focus lies in portraying the legacy of Great Britain through war memorials and portraits dedicated to some of the country’s most notable figures. She began working in bronze in the 1980s, and her first major commission came from the Museum of Army Flying in Hampshire for several bronze portraits of WWII fighter pilots to mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. She was the last artist for whom the Queen Mother sat for a portrait, and the resulting bronze now resides in the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother wing of St Mary’s Hospital Trust in London. She has received multiple prestigious public commissions for monuments and statues around England and abroad. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bust: 20 1\/2\" wide x 13 1\/4\" deep x 26 1\/8\" high\u003cbr\u003e With pedestal: 14 1\/8\" wide x 14 1\/4\" deep x 40 1\/2\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800544969026,"sku":null,"price":178500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-3850_1.png?v=1768068346"},{"product_id":"the-night-after-james-pradier","title":"The Night after James Pradier","description":"After James Pradier\u003cbr\u003e 1790–1852 | French \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe Night\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e White marble on a grey marble socle \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Drifting in a dreamlike ascent, this exquisite allegorical sculpture, \u003cem\u003eThe Night\u003c\/em\u003e, pays tribute to James Pradier’s iconic vision of feminine beauty and romantic symbolism. Executed in luminous white Carrara marble, the work once belonged to the celebrated actress and sculptor Gina Lollobrigida. Pradier’s ability to imbue classical forms with emotion and sensuality is fully realized here, in a scene that radiates both serenity and mystery. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The female figure lifts a flowing cloak above her head while a cherubic putto beneath her presents a garland of flowers. With one hand shielding her eyes as if to retreat from the waking world, the maiden embodies Night as both protector and dream-bringer. The natural finish of the marble accentuates the softness of her skin and the subtle movement of fabric and hair, giving the work a sense of ethereal lightness and grace. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The composition is a masterful homage to Pradier’s 1846 works \u003cem\u003eLa Nuit\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eLe Jour\u003c\/em\u003e, celebrated examples of Romantic sculpture. Pradier, a Prix de Rome-winning sculptor, was widely regarded for his neoclassical forms infused with emotional vitality. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This marble was once part of the private collection of Italian actress, sculptor and photojournalist Gina Lollobrigida, one of the most iconic stars of European cinema in the 1950s and 1960s. Known as “La Lollo,” she began her artistic life studying sculpture in Rome before achieving international fame in films such as \u003cem\u003eFanfan la Tulipe\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eBeat the Devil\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eTrapeze\u003c\/em\u003e. Lollobrigida later returned to sculpture and became a renowned photojournalist, capturing powerful images of global figures including Indira Gandhi, Salvador Dalí and Fidel Castro. A passionate art collector with refined taste, she curated a personal collection that reflected her lifelong dedication to beauty and the arts. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1900 \u003cbr\u003e On base: 78 1\/2\" high x 26 5\/8\" wide x 24\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Estate of Gina Lollobrigida, Italy\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800545034562,"sku":null,"price":168500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/32-0835_1.png?v=1768068351"},{"product_id":"limestone-buddha-head-6th-century-qi-dynasty","title":"Limestone Buddha Head, 6th-Century Qi Dynasty","description":"This limestone bust of the Buddha presents a picture of serenity and grace. A rare and striking image, it was sculpted in 6th-century Northern China during the Qi dynasty, one of the most innovative and distinctive periods for the art of stone carving in China. Thoughtfully rendered, this Buddha is adorned with round curls lying flat, creating a graceful pattern from which his long ears, a sign of wisdom, stand out. His features are smooth and unadorned, conveying the simplicity and detachment of his teachings, while the subtle fleshiness of the cheek and chin and curvature of the eyebrows are typical of Northern Qi art. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Qi dynasty (550-577) was a fascinating time in Chinese history. The era sizzled with exciting changes that resulted in elevating China’s art and overall culture. Works from this period are extremely hard to find and are ardently admired, as historians agree that the period stands out as a time of innovation and mastery, a magnificent artistic Golden Age for the region. A similar Buddha head from the same period is in the prestigious Guimet Museum in Paris, one of the largest collections of Asian art outside Asia. Another is in the permanent collection of the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rauantiques.my.salesforce.com\/sfc\/p\/#A0000000JY02\/a\/8X000000MpiV\/EZ7F96I63RWeC8EsmLAanhieNklpQCMxTR8FXgaUOh8\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMetropolitan Museum of Art in New York\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 6th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 7 1\/4\" diameter x 13 1\/2\" high\u003cbr\u003e With stand: 19 1\/2\" high \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Alan Hartman New York (before 1980)\u003cbr\u003e Buddhist Art, Berlin, Germany, 2009\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, New York, 2011\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans, 2022","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800545100098,"sku":null,"price":168500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-5655_1.png?v=1768068357"},{"product_id":"gravity-by-andreas-von-zadora-gerlof","title":"Gravity by Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof","description":"Gravity\u003cbr\u003e Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof\u003cbr\u003e Created 2014-15 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This monumental, mind-boggling work of stainless steel was crafted by the famed jeweler and sculptor Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof, a man commonly regarded as America's Fabergé. The sculpture was inspired by the 1952 mixed media work \u003cem\u003eGravitation\u003c\/em\u003e by the great Dutch artist M.C. Escher, a man celebrated for his so-called impossible constructions. With a high level of skill and precise planning, Zadora brings Escher’s two-dimensional print vividly to life in a three-dimensional sculptural work that seemingly defies the laws of gravity. Breathtaking in its massive size, quality and precision, this work is a modern masterpiece of design. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Escher’s \u003cem\u003eGravitation\u003c\/em\u003e was developed as part of an important series of works that the artist created during the mid-20th century that explored planetoids and stars in a science fiction world. \u003cem\u003eGravitation\u003c\/em\u003e focused on the impossibility of multiple sources of gravity working together on a single object. Within his complex geometric structure, Escher places twelve turtles without shells, who use the star as a common shell. Represented in six colored pairs—red, orange, yellow, purple, green and blue—each turtle rests directly opposite its counterpart. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Though Escher’s creation is a physical impossibility, like all of his works, he presents it in a visually credible and logical way. That same mathematical precision is applied to Zadora’s version of the work. Exactingly rendered, this sculpture manifests the genius of Escher’s creation through precisely cut pieces of stainless steel and polymer. At first glance, the work appears to be a nonsensical jumble of turtle heads and limbs, though a closer inspection reveals the inherent symmetry and harmony of the ingenious creation. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Canadian-born sculptor Baron Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof is recognized as the world's leading gemstone artist, and his international clientele includes the world’s most discerning connoisseurs. His works, which range from intricate sculptures such as this to innovative bespoke jewelry, are regarded as some of the most prized decorative artworks in modern times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The sculpture is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 61\" wide x 72\" deep x 58\" high (147.32 x 154.94 x 182.88 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibited:\u003cbr\u003e Design Days Dubai, March 16-20, 2015","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800545165634,"sku":null,"price":128500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-9630_1.png?v=1768068362"},{"product_id":"la-casta-susanna-by-urbano-lucchesi","title":"La Casta Susanna by Urbano Lucchesi","description":"Urbano Lucchesi\u003cbr\u003e 1844 - 1906 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eLa Casta Susanna\u003cbr\u003e (The Chaste Susanna)\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Marble \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This elegant statue entitled \u003cem\u003eLa Casta Susanna\u003c\/em\u003e depicts the virtuous biblical figure Susanna, expertly crafted by Italian sculptor Urbano Lucchesi—the most important sculptor of nineteenth-century Lucca, Italy. The narrative of Susanna—found in versions of the Book of Daniel—portrays her as a virtuous wife unjustly accused of adultery by two elders when she rejects their advances. Daniel's intervention reveals discrepancies in the elders' stories, ultimately vindicating Susanna and highlighting her moral integrity. Numerous artists have depicted this narrative, notably during the early Christian era and the later Renaissance and Baroque periods. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This stunning marble statue presents Susanna in a classically inspired pose, her figure exemplifying an elegant contrapposto crafted by a master artisan. A sheet covers her form in modesty, carved to appear soft and light—a remarkable achievement in marble. Likewise, her features are rendered with an expert hand, appearing almost lifelike in stone. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Urbano Lucchesi, renowned for his significant contributions to the artistic heritage of Lucca and beyond, is the most prominent artist in nineteenth-century Lucca. His works are integral to the city’s cultural landscape, with prominent sculptures adorning its streets and squares. Notable works include busts of Giuseppe Mazzini, Benedetto Cairoli and Vincenzo Consani, as well as monuments to Giuseppe Garibaldi and the fallen of Italy’s battles. Lucchesi’s influence extended to Florence, where he created the monument to Donatello outside the sculptor’s studio, and to Viareggio, where he crafted the impressive monument to the romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eLa Casta Susanna\u003c\/em\u003e is not only a stunning representation of a biblical tale but also a sculpture that embodies the artistic and cultural essence of its era. Statues of the same figure can be seen in museums worldwide and at churches such as the Santa Maria di Loreto. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Late 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “Lucchesi” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Inscribed “La Casta Susanna” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 54 1\/2\" high x 15\" wide x 14 1\/2\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800545231170,"sku":null,"price":124500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-8802_1_0cf44c73-91e7-4a84-af35-a89139f0a9e9.png?v=1768068366"},{"product_id":"a-patinated-bronze-statuette-of-william-shakespeare-by-frederick-william-macmonnies","title":"A Patinated Bronze Statuette of William Shakespeare by Frederick William MacMonnies","description":"Frederick William MacMonnies\u003cbr\u003e 1863–1937 | American \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eWilliam Shakespeare\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"F. MacMonnies\" and foundry-marked \"E. Gruet Jeune, Fondeur, Paris\"\u003cbr\u003e Bronze \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Frederick William MacMonnies, one of America’s most celebrated sculptors of the Beaux-Arts tradition, crafted a timeless homage to William Shakespeare in this exceptional bronze statuette. This 29-inch-high example is a scaled version of the life-size statue commissioned for the Library of Congress in 1894 and installed in the iconic Main Reading Room in 1896. Cast by the esteemed E. Gruet Jeune foundry in Paris, the bronze’s warm dark-brown patina and exquisite form serve as a stunning tribute to the great Bard and the artistic brilliance of the sculptor who brought his likeness to life. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e MacMonnies presents Shakespeare in contemplative repose, his stylus poised over an open book, exuding thoughtful inspiration. Every detail—from the intricately embroidered cloak to the ruffled collar and distinctive trunk hose—reflects a commitment to historical authenticity, inspired by the Droeshout portrait in the \u003cem\u003eFirst Folio\u003c\/em\u003e and Shakespeare’s funerary monument in Stratford-upon-Avon. Critics of the time praised the statue’s lifelike quality and dignified simplicity, with \u003cem\u003eScribner’s Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e (November 1895) calling it “more humanistic and thoughtful” than any of MacMonnies’s earlier works. Other versions of this sculpture reside in esteemed collections, including the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. and the Grolier Club in New York. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Trained by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, MacMonnies was a prominent American sculptor and painter, a star of the Beaux-Arts movement. Born in Brooklyn, he trained under Augustus Saint-Gaudens and studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. MacMonnies gained international acclaim for works like the Columbian Fountain at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and the Nathan Hale monument, cast by the same foundry as ours, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Known for his dynamic compositions and blend of American and European artistic traditions, he spent much of his career in France, earning recognition as a master of monumental and allegorical sculpture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1895 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e On base: 37 1\/2“ high x 16” wide x 13 1\/8“ deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800545329474,"sku":null,"price":124500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/32-0370_1.png?v=1768068371"},{"product_id":"clio-by-studio-of-romanelli","title":"Clio by Studio of Romanelli","description":"Studio of Raffaello Romanelli\u003cbr\u003e Early 20th Century | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eClio\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Inscribed \"Executé sous la Direction du Prof. Romanelli\" (on base)\u003cbr\u003e Marble \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Clio, the muse of history from Greek mythology, is the subject of this compelling neoclassical marble sculpture that hails from the studio of Raffaello Romanelli. Romanelli was the son of the celebrated Pasquale Romanelli, a collaborator of Lorenzo Bartolini who assumed control of his studio following the master's death. He was renowned for his marble studies of the female form, and both his masterful eye and studio were inherited by his son Raffaello. Where Raffaello differed from his father was in his use of multi-colored marbles, a design choice that is displayed in the present work, which was executed by a student in his atelier.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The stark, pure white of this Clio is perfectly complemented by her robes carved from Siena marble, lending texture and visual interest to her overall form. Her tablet is inscribed \"\u003cem\u003eHistoria non assentationi, sed fidei veritatique componitur. Pinius\u003c\/em\u003e,\" a quote from the letters of Pliny the Younger that roughly translates to \"History is written not for display but in the interests of strict truth.\" The quote was the perfect choice for the mythological figure, who was heralded as \"the Proclaimer\" of historical truths. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Early 20th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 22 1\/4\" wide x 15\" deep x 52 1\/8\" high\u003cbr\u003e Base: 23\" wide x 23\" deep x 27 1\/4\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800545427778,"sku":null,"price":124500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-3877_1.png?v=1768068376"},{"product_id":"masquerade-by-fortunato-galli","title":"Masquerade by Fortunato Galli","description":"Fortunato Galli\u003cbr\u003e 1835-1918 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eMasquerade\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"F. Galli FIRENZE\"\u003cbr\u003e White Carrara marble \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eMasquerade\u003c\/em\u003e, a traditional yet playful composition by Fortunato Galli, reflects the realism and intricacy that defined Italian sculpture at the end of the 19th century. Magnificently carved, the monumental work captures a beautiful woman at a masquerade as she peels her mask from her face, revealing her secret identity. The virtuosity of the sculpture is breathtaking, from her delicate lace bodice to the hint of stockings that encase her shapely legs. Masterfully rendered, she represents the perfect marriage of classical beauty and a romantic sentiment that has come to define the work of this Italian master.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Born in Livorno on the west coast of Tuscany, Fortunato Galli spent most of his life in Florence, where he enjoyed a faithful following. The majority of his sculptures were religious subjects, which he crafted for the major Tuscan churches, including his principal work, his famed statue of Pope Gregory VII that resides in the Duomo in Florence. His decorative sculptures such as this were far more playful in style, capturing gypsies and beautiful women in charming narratives. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1883 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 18 1\/2\" wide x 20\" deep x 52 1\/2\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800545526082,"sku":null,"price":98500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-2390_1_105d9000-d556-46ca-b081-90aead2fdd02.png?v=1768068381"},{"product_id":"dancer-fastening-the-string-of-her-tights-by-edgar-degas","title":"Dancer Fastening the String of Her Tights by Edgar Degas","description":"Edgar Degas\u003cbr\u003e\n1834-1917 | French\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDancer Fastening the String of Her Tights\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSigned, numbered, dated, and stamped with foundry mark “Degas \/ 33|G \/ 1998 \/ CIRE C.VALSUANI PERDUE”\u003cbr\u003e\nBronze\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThis graceful little dancer is a superb example of the sculptural works created by the great Impressionist Edgar Degas. Degas had an extraordinary talent for capturing the natural movements and grace of his figures, particularly in his paintings and sculptures of ballet dancers for which he is best known. In the present bronze, he uses a dramatic, twisting contrapposto pose in order to depict his dancer in motion as she contorts backwards to tighten the string of her tights. His works such as this reveal the mechanics of the ballet that happen beyond the beauty on stage, lending his works a remarkable sense of life and intimacy.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThroughout his career, Degas became obsessed with capturing the dancer in motion, both on stage and in the dressing room. Of the seventy-four wax sculptures created by Degas during his lifetime, forty of them depicted dancers. The present work boasts one of the more original poses from among these - rather than an arabesque, Degas captures his dancer undertaking a far more private and intimate task. Unlike some of his works that depict women doing their toilette, the bronze is elegant rather than awkward, as Degas transforms the simple act of tying a string into a pleasing and fluid pose.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe work is a sought-after rarity in terms of Degas’ sculptures. Not only are his dancers the most desirable of his work, but this bronze is also distinguished by the fact that it is a Valsuani bronze, meaning it faithfully records Degas’ wax version’s pose as it appeared at the time of its creation. Most Degas' bronzes that are found on the market were cast by Hébrard – these serialized bronzes are surmoulages, or “aftercasts,” that were cast from the modèle bronzes currently in the Norton Simon Museum (Pasadena). Because these bronzes are second generation, they are smaller and far less detailed that the current bronze.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThis example, however, was cast by Valsuani from a plaster that was taken directly from Degas’ waxes, according to scholarship by the art historian Dr. Gregory Hedberg. These plasters were created by Degas’ sculptor friend Albert Bartholomé shortly after Degas completed his wax figurines. Thus, they record the earliest versions of Degas’ wax sculptures, before they were damaged by time or handling, and before Degas himself altered the works. The Hébrard bronzes, on the other hand, actually represent Degas’ reworking of the original sculptures.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBecause they are cast directly from the plaster, the Valsuani bronzes are also larger, crisper, and more highly defined than the Hébrard bronzes. Since the original plasters were discovered in the 1990s, similar Valsuani bronzes have been exhibited around the world, including The Hermitage (St. Petersburg) and the Minneapolis Institute of Art.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nOriginal wax model executed circa 1885-1890\u003cbr\u003e\nBronze cast 1998\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n16 5\/8\" high x 8 1\/2\" wide x 7 1\/2\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800545591618,"sku":null,"price":98500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/30-9143_1_36fec41c-c760-40af-84ce-7dd2f90299a3.png?v=1768068388"},{"product_id":"terracotta-statue-of-emperor-napoleon-at-st-helena","title":"Terracotta Statue of Emperor Napoleon at St. Helena","description":"Terracotta Statue of Emperor Napoleon at St. Helena\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1825-1840 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exceptional terracotta statue of Napoleon Bonaparte on St. Helena stands as one of the earliest known depictions of the emperor in this iconic pose. Dating circa 1825–1840, the sculpture captures Napoleon in exile, reflecting on his empire’s legacy and the ambitions that reshaped Europe. With remarkable precision, the artist portrays the emperor seated on a klismos chair atop a stack of books—a nod to his intellectual depth and love of literature—his hand tucked into his waistcoat, a gesture that was rendered in many of his official portraits. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The statue’s black-painted terracotta surface and finely rendered details evoke both the grandeur and introspection of Napoleon’s life. Dressed in a frock coat and boots, he gazes to the side as if lost in thought or quiet conversation. The subtle balance of heroic presence and personal vulnerability sets this work apart, offering a rare perspective on the emperor's final years. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This one-of-a-kind work of art predates similar works by artists like Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, whose celebrated depictions now grace institutions such as the Musée d'Orsay and the Cleveland Museum of Art. This statue was also formerly part of the personal collection of François Hayem, the famed Parisian art dealer. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 26 3\/4\" high x 26 1\/2\" wide x 13 3\/4\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800545657154,"sku":null,"price":88500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/32-0021_1_0c2a4e35-d061-47f8-9542-51c502de52f6.png?v=1768068391"},{"product_id":"italian-marble-sculpture-of-venus-and-cupid","title":"Italian Marble Sculpture of Venus and Cupid","description":"Beautifully detailed and lifelike, Venus and Cupid share a soft embrace in this remarkable Italian white marble sculpture. The feminine beauty gracefully leans against roughened rockery that masterfully contrasts the supple smoothness of the two figures. Both Venus and her winged son Cupid are delicately poised on one leg, adding a lifelike sense of movement to the sculpture. This dynamism is further enhanced by the diaphanous shawl that wraps around their limbs and their curly flowing locks. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The charming image lends a human element to its mythological subjects, highlighting the tender affection between a mother and her child. Innocent yet sensuous, the beautifully carved group displays the extraordinary technical accomplishment and neoclassical grace for which Italian sculptors of this era are so loved. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"Pavile\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1870 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 35\" high x 13\" wide x 15\" deep (88.90 x 33.02 x 38.10 cm)","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800545755458,"sku":null,"price":78500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-8589_1_9d059d82-9bda-47c5-b5e3-f1f0b82a8d4b.png?v=1768068397"},{"product_id":"tulio-lombardo-style-marble-fountain","title":"Tulio Lombardo Style Marble Fountain","description":"This marble fountain sculpture in the style of Tulio Lombardo embodies the glory of Renaissance sculpture. Reminiscent of classical portrait busts, a bearded man's face serves as the focal point of the fountain, and a sumptuously carved and decorated Grecian urn balances on the crown of his head. The figure's calm countenance features an open mouth from which streams of water would flow. Public fountains such as these are a timeless symbol of Italy's rich culture and history and remain active and effective means of bringing safe drinking water to people walking about Rome. The fountain's fully restored pipe allows it to be just as functional today as it would have been during its tenure in a 17th-century Roman plaza. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Born in Venice around 1455, Tulio Lombardo was an esteemed Italian Renaissance sculptor. Renowned for his innovative approach to classical forms, he imbued his creations with a distinct Venetian sensibility. Lombardo's sculptures exhibit a remarkable blend of grace, proportion and meticulous attention to detail, aligning his Renaissance ideals. A master of marble sculpture, the artist erected the famed funerary monument of Doge Andrea Vendramin in the Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo in 1493. Through his contributions, Tullio Lombardo enriched the Venetian artistic tradition and the Renaissance more broadly, leaving an enduring legacy. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 17th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 30 3\/4\" high x 13\" wide x 8 1\/2\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800545820994,"sku":null,"price":78500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-6983_1.png?v=1768068402"},{"product_id":"married-love-by-oscar-nemon","title":"Married Love by Oscar Nemon","description":"Oscar Nemon\u003cbr\u003e 1906 - 1985 | Croatian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eMarried Love\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “Nemon” (on reverse)\u003cbr\u003e Bronze resin with green patina \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This rousing and sentimental sculpture, commissioned by Lady Churchill herself, was created by revered Croatian sculptor Oscar Nemon. It stands as a testament to the lasting love between the steadfast British leader, Sir Winston Churchill, and his wife, Lady Clementine Spencer Churchill. Lady Clementine sits smiling, legs crossed with her arms outstretched towards her husband. Sir Winston leans back in a casual, relaxed pose, with a serious yet calm expression. Entitled \u003cem\u003eMarried Love\u003c\/em\u003e, the bronze resin composition is a reflection of the humanity and devotion between two of Great Britain’s finest politicians. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Nemon first met the great Sir Winston Churchill in 1951 in Marrakech, Morocco, where the pair formed a friendship. The artist was already a great admirer of the statesman. As a Croatian before emigrating to Britain in 1938, Nemon lost the great majority of his family in the Holocaust, and Churchill's efforts to defeat the Nazis deeply resonated with Nemon. When he and the Prime Minister finally met, the artist sculpted Churchill in his hotel room at La Mamounia, aided by preliminary sketches that survive today. Perhaps moved by the occasion of sculpting one of his heroes, Nemon’s rendition exudes an intensity and lifelike dynamism that greatly impressed the Churchills. As a result of the artist's success in rendering the leader, he was selected by Queen Elizabeth II the following year to create another bust of Churchill for Windsor Castle. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Lady Churchill long admired Oscar Nemon’s 1951 bust of her husband, later saying of the sculpture: “That is how I see him and that is how I love him.” Over twenty years after their first meeting, following the statesman’s death, Lady Churchill requested that Nemon create a sculpture of the couple together. Nemon joined the widow at her home in Princes Gate, London, where she sat for her portrait. The artist then used his previous experience sculpting the Prime Minister to create \u003cem\u003eMarried Love\u003c\/em\u003e, masterfully capturing the love shared between the powerful duo.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Oscar Nemon was born to a close Jewish family in Osijek, a bustling city in eastern Croatia. Already a burgeoning artist by the time he arrived in Vienna in the mid-1920s, he met Sigmund Freud and made several sculptures of the psychologist and his dog, Topsy. Nemon enrolled at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels in 1925, where he won a gold medal for his sculpture. He remained in Brussels, sharing a home with René Magritte, until the outset of World War II in 1939 when he fled to England. His achievements in his first Churchill sculpture launched the artist to greater acclaim, and he would go on to make a number of busts of high-profile figures, including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip, Harry S Truman, Margaret Thatcher and more. Many of his sculptures are recognizable for their use of bronze resin, often called \"cold cast bronze,\" which is created with a mixture of bronze powder and epoxy or other resin. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eMarried Love\u003c\/em\u003e is further distinguished by unbroken provenance, with its previous owners acquiring it directly from Nemon’s studio. The original large-scale bronze stands on the grounds of Chartwell, and another version of this sculpture resides in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/msrauantiques2022.my.salesforce.com\/sfc\/p\/8c000000eEg1\/a\/Vb000000cOao\/CASGdIPcNcKWkfLmXQBf7TzlumVWw2U1V1aW4ymxgt0\"\u003eBlenheim Palace,\u003c\/a\u003e the birthplace of Winston Churchill and the only non-royal house in the United Kingdom to hold the title of “Palace.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conceived circa 1978 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 19“ high x 29 5\/8” wide x 19“ deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e The Sunday Telegraph, 12 March 1978 (ill.b\u0026amp;w) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e The Artist, from whom acquired directly by the family of the previous owner in 1978\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, Canada","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800545886530,"sku":null,"price":78500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-6571_1.png?v=1768068406"},{"product_id":"bronze-of-amphitrite-after-michel-anguier","title":"Bronze of Amphitrite after Michel Anguier","description":"After Michel Anguier \u003cbr\u003e French | 1612-1686 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eAmphitrite\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Bronze \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This remarkable bronze masterpiece was cast after a High Baroque masterwork by French sculptor Michel Anguier. After training under the famed masters Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Alessandro Algardi, Anguier developed a unique style that incorporated the theatricality of Bernini’s period-defining sculpture, balanced by Algardi’s somber realism. This bronze of Amphitrite, wife of Poseidon, comes from the sculptor's celebrated series depicting six gods and goddesses. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Anguier's sculptures brought heightened emotion to the legendary myths of ancient Greece. The sculptor imbued his representation of Amphitrite with tranquility — a perfect fit for the goddess of the sea. Her pose and delicately draped fabrics emphasize her feminine form. A lobster perches on her arm, and she is accompanied by a dolphin at her feet, Poseidon’s favored creature and an important figure in her myth. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The present work is cast in the same scale as the original mythological set conceived in 1652 by Anguier at a sizeable 26“ tall. The first recorded casting of this work is held in the Louvre in Paris, and a similar cast can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 17th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 26\" high by 7 1\/8\" wide by 7 1\/8\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800545952066,"sku":null,"price":78500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-6065_1.png?v=1768068412"},{"product_id":"escher-inspired-sculpture-cubic-space-division-by-zadora-gerlof","title":"Escher-Inspired Sculpture \"Cubic Space Division\" by Zadora-Gerlof","description":"Famed sculptor Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof takes inspiration from the great M.C. Escher in this monumental sculptural work. One of the world's most famous graphic artists, Escher was celebrated for his mathematically-inspired etchings, woodcuts and drawings. The present work, which is based on his 1952 lithograph entitled \u003cem\u003eCubic Space Division\u003c\/em\u003e, embodies the mind-boggling appeal of Escher's designs. Zadora imparts a remarkable level of detail into the execution of the piece, bringing to life the genius of these two artistic greats, Escher and Zadora. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The concept of infinite space was a common motif for Escher, who often used geometric forms fading into the distance in some of his most famous works. \u003cem\u003eCubic Space Division\u003c\/em\u003e, like so many of his creations, presents a challenge to one's visual perception. The 3-dimensional space is divided by a cubic lattice of uniform cubes connected by rectangular bars in a pattern repeated over and over again. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Escher's creation in \u003cem\u003eCubic Space Division\u003c\/em\u003e evokes a sense of boundlessness in a finite space, and his mathematical approach makes it visually credible. Zadora imparts the same level of mathematical precision in his large-scale version of the work. This monumental steel sculpture has been intricately assembled and powder coated in a dark hue to suggest the drama of the original lithograph. The result is an impressive work of depth and subtly that appropriately pays homage to Escher's original design. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Canadian-born sculptor Baron Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof is recognized as the world's leading gemstone artist, and his international clientele includes the world's most discerning connoisseurs. His pieces, which range from intricate sculptures such as this to innovative bespoke jewelry, are regarded as the most prized decorative artworks in modern times. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The sculpture is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Created 2014-15 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 60\" wide x 64\" deep x 80\" high \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibited:\u003cbr\u003e Design Days Dubai, March 16-20, 2015","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800546017602,"sku":null,"price":78500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/30-8672_1.png?v=1768068418"},{"product_id":"boy-fishing-statue-by-goldscheider","title":"Boy Fishing Statue by Goldscheider","description":"This exceptional and monumental terracotta sculpture was crafted at Vienna’s renowned Goldscheider manufactory. This enchanting sculpture, model #1225, depicts a charming genre scene of a young boy fishing. Originally part of a series of children designed by Haniroff, one of Goldscheider’s renowned artisans, this endearing piece is quintessential Goldscheider, representing the avant-garde design of the Art Nouveau period. Goldscheider was among the most dominant ceramic manufactories of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, employing some of the most gifted artists working in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. The quality and condition of this sculpture are exemplary of Goldscheider at its best.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1893 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 48\" high x 14\" wide x 30\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eGoldscheider\u003c\/em\u003e, Ora Pinhas, 2006, page 32\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eTerres cuites orientalistes et africanistes 1860-1940,\u003c\/em\u003e Stéphane Richemond, 1999, page 101, figure 53","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800546083138,"sku":null,"price":64500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/30-3338_1.png?v=1768068421"},{"product_id":"young-emperor-augustus-by-augustus-saint-gaudens","title":"Young Emperor Augustus by Augustus Saint-Gaudens","description":"Augustus Saint-Gaudens\u003cbr\u003e 1848-1907 | American \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eYoung Emperor Augustus\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Marble \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This extraordinary marble bust by revered American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens is crafted in the classical style of the Greco-Roman world, with the perfect proportions that make it engaging from every angle. The style lends itself well to the subject — Caesar Augustus, one of the most revered emperors of ancient Rome. Here, he is brilliantly captured as a young man with his distinctive brow and calm countenance in a celebration of male beauty, wisdom and bravery. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Celebrated as the founder of the Roman Empire, Caesar Augustus left a formidable legacy as a politician, a peacemaker and conquerer. Rising to power following the infamous assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March, Augustus reigned for over a decade. Designed after the head of an ancient statue known as \u003cem\u003eAugustus of Primaporta\u003c\/em\u003e in the Vatican Museum, Saint-Gaudens’ bust offers a compelling portrait of this historic icon, capturing the young man who would later be recognized among the world's great thinkers and leaders. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Born in Dublin to an Irish mother and French father, Augustus Saint-Gaudens moved to New York City with his family as an infant. He trained under Louis Avet, a cameo-cutter, before enrolling in the École des Beaux-Arts at the young age of 19. Saint-Gaudens’ artistic talents flourished when he moved to Rome in 1870 to study art and architecture, and his neoclassical works inspired by the masterpieces of Greco-Roman antiquity are among his most beloved sculptures. He achieved great critical success in his lifetime, and his artworks reside in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the National Gallery in London, the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and the Tate in London. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e An important work in Saint-Gaudens' oeuvre, \u003cem\u003eYoung Emperor Augustus\u003c\/em\u003e is pictured on page 63 of John H. Dryfhout’s catalogue raisonne, \u003cem\u003eThe Work of Augustus Saint-Gaudens\u003c\/em\u003e (1982), where the author points out that this is only one of two versions known. This bust was also on loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for nearly four decades, underscoring its significance. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1872-1873 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 22“ high x 11“ wide x 8 1\/2“ deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e John H. Dryfhout, \u003cem\u003eThe Work of Augustus Saint-Gaudens\u003c\/em\u003e, Hanover, New Hampshire, 1982, no. 33, p. 63, illustrated  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibitions:\u003cbr\u003e New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, \u003cem\u003eAugustus Saint-Gaudens\u003c\/em\u003e, 1985-86\u003cbr\u003e New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1986-2023 (on loan) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, Windsor, Vermont\u003cbr\u003e Tatischeff Gallery, New York\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection of the Wolf Family\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, United States\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800546148674,"sku":null,"price":54500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-7201_1_a4ba512c-0b68-451b-980d-82271cfa2905.png?v=1768068427"},{"product_id":"bronze-reliefs-of-minerva-and-mars-by-emile-pinedo","title":"Bronze Reliefs of Minerva and Mars by Émile Pinedo","description":"Émile Pinedo\u003cbr\u003e 1840-1916 | French \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bronze Reliefs of Minerva and Mars \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bronze \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e These exceptional bronze reliefs depicting the Roman deities Minerva and Mars represent the pinnacle of 19th-century French bronze casting, executed by master sculptor Émile Pinedo. The paired compositions showcase the artist's mastery in capturing both the classical power and beauty of these mythological figures, rendered with the technical precision that established Pinedo among the foremost bronze founders of his era. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Minerva, goddess of wisdom and warfare, is portrayed in profile with her characteristic plumed helmet adorned with elaborate decorative elements. Mars, god of war, appears equally commanding with his ornate military regalia and powerful visage, the intricate detailing of his armor and flowing drapery showcasing the artist's meticulous attention to surface texture and form.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Émile Pinedo established himself as one of Paris' most accomplished sculptors and bronze founders, inheriting both his father's foundry and his dedication to excellence in bronze casting. Making his debut at the prestigious Paris Salon of 1870, his bronzes became synonymous with the highest standards of Parisian craftsmanship, combining technical mastery with artistic vision. Today, his works remain highly coveted by collectors and institutions alike.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Each bears the artist's stamp verso on integral hanger, Minerva no. “536” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1880-1900 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mars: 40 5\/8\" high x 21 1\/2\" wide x 8 1\/2\" deep\u003cbr\u003e Minerva: 42 1\/8\" high x 22 1\/8\" wide x 8 1\/2\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Rome\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Alabama\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Brussels\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800546214210,"sku":null,"price":54500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/32-0717_1_747b91db-0dd7-4871-9f04-2c17eb3ab277.png?v=1768068432"},{"product_id":"jeanne-darc-by-emmanuel-fremiet","title":"Jeanne d'Arc by Emmanuel Frémiet","description":"Emmanuel Frémiet\u003cbr\u003e 1824–1910 | French \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eJeanne d’Arc\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “E FREMIET” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This commanding bronze of \u003cem\u003eJeanne d’Arc\u003c\/em\u003e by Emmanuel Frémiet captures one of the most enduring symbols of French national identity. Joan appears triumphant, raising her banner skyward as her mount advances in a spirited, elevated stride. Created during the height of Frémiet’s fame as a major sculptor of the Third Republic, the work reflects a cultural moment defined by national revival and renewed admiration for heroic figures following the Franco-Prussian War. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The composition is remarkably dynamic. Joan’s armor is rendered with crisp, deliberate articulation, while the horse’s anatomy is modeled with a striking sense of tension and motion. The banner, swept into elegant curves, introduces a vertical rhythm that enhances the sculpture’s heroic subject. The gilt laurel wreath punctuates the work with a note of triumph. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Emmanuel Frémiet, nephew and pupil of François Rude, earned wide renown as both an animal sculptor and an accomplished creator of monumental public works. His first equestrian \u003cem\u003eJeanne d’Arc\u003c\/em\u003e, erected in 1874 at the Place des Pyramides in Paris, became one of the defining images of the Third Republic and inspired related versions in cities including Philadelphia, Portland and New Orleans. A medal of honor recipient at the Salon of 1887 and later an Officer of the Legion of Honor, Frémiet held influential posts at the Paris Museum of Natural History and the Académie des Beaux-Arts. His works reside today in the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée du Luxembourg and major public collections across France. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Late 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 29\" high x 16 1\/2” wide x 8“ deep ","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800546574658,"sku":null,"price":48500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/32-1717_1_f19d55e6-6945-4893-970a-107a68351db3.png?v=1768068437"},{"product_id":"the-last-days-of-napoleon-by-vincenzo-vela","title":"The Last Days of Napoléon by Vincenzo Vela","description":"Vincenzo Vela\u003cbr\u003e 1820-1891 | Swiss \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eLast Days of Napoléon\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bronze on green marble base\u003cbr\u003e Signed “V. Vela. F 1867” and \"F. Barbedienne, Fondeur, Paris\" (base) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This highly evocative bronze by Vincenzo Vela captures the deposed Emperor Napoléon on his deathbed, holding a map of Europe and lost in thought about what might have been. Remarkable among most portrayals of the exiled leader, this highly detailed sculpture depicts Napoléon at his most vulnerable. Nonetheless, Vela perfectly captures his still-heroic bearing, which imparts to this work a monumental quality and quiet dignity. The mate to this figure is the colossal marble at the Musée du Château de Malmaison, which was shown at the Paris \u003cem\u003eSalon\u003c\/em\u003e of 1867. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The founder of the \u003cem\u003everismo\u003c\/em\u003e movement in Italy, Vela was one of the great exponents of realism in sculpture. Born in Ligornetto, Switzerland in 1820, he studied under celebrated sculptor, Benedetto Cacciatori. He was also influenced both by the work of Tuscan sculptor Lorenzo Bartolini, who seamlessly combined neoclassicism with naturalism and the romantic painting of Francesco Hayez. Vela soon became one of the most important promoters of realist and \u003cem\u003everist \u003c\/em\u003esculpture, which emphasized true-to-life depictions of subjects. This was a reaction to the more idealistic, classical aesthetic espoused by artists such as Canova. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Vela taught at the Albertina Academy in Turin for many years and showed his work at numerous Salons in Italy. His oeuvre is best remembered for its exploration of the social and heroic value of human action. A fervent patriot, he was active both politically and culturally and was elected to the Grand Council in Ticino. Today, many of Vela’s works are preserved in the Museo Vela at Ligornetto, and others can be found in Lugano, Bellinzona, Airolo, as well as Milan and Turin. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 9\" wide x 15\" deep x 17\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800546640194,"sku":null,"price":44850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-2545_1.png?v=1768068442"},{"product_id":"david-vainqueur-de-goliath-by-marius-jean-antonin-mercie","title":"David Vainqueur de Goliath by Marius Jean Antonin Mercié","description":"Marius Jean Antonin Mercié\u003cbr\u003e French (1845-1916) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eDavid vainqueur de Goliath\u003cbr\u003e (David, Victor of Goliath)\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “A. Mercié” (on base)\u003cbr\u003e Bronze \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This incredible bronze sculpture, entitled \u003cem\u003eDavid vainqueur de Goliath\u003c\/em\u003e, depicts the Biblical story of a young David’s final triumph over the giant Goliath. It was created by celebrated French sculptor Marius Jean Antonin Mercié, and it earned the artist a first-class medal at the Paris Salon of 1872. The work also earned him the prestigious Cross of the Legion d'Honneur, the only artist to ever receive that distinction while still a student.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Originally from Toulouse, Mercié was an accomplished sculptor who studied under François Jouffroy and Alexandre Falguiére at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, winning the Prix de Rome in 1868. This award allowed him to study in Italy, which is where he modeled \u003cem\u003eDavid vainqueur de Goliath\u003c\/em\u003e, which would become one of his most popular and recognizable works. It made an extremely bold statement that begged comparison with seminal works of the Renaissance by Verrocchio, Donatello and Michelangelo. Mercié's youthful hero, however, could never be mistaken for a Renaissance work, with its overtones of Orientalism. The artist even includes the name David in Hebrew letters within the ornamentation on the base. The sculpture's success was immediate, and an example of this work was commissioned by the French state and exhibited at the World Exhibitions in Vienna in 1873 and Paris in 1878. Today, that example resides in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, and another casting from Barbedienne resides in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Early success in his career brought several private and public commissions, and he produced many monuments and ornamental sculptures from his studios. Among these commissions were a large monument for the tomb of King Louis-Phillipe and Queen Marie-Amelie and the figure of \u003cem\u003eJustice\u003c\/em\u003e for Paris' Town Hall. He also regularly exhibited at the Paris Salon until 1912 in both bronze and marble. Named president of the Societé des Artistes Français in 1913, Mercié became one of the few sculptors to attain the rank of Grand Officer in the Legion d'Honneur. In 1880, he began to practice painting as well, but it was his work as a sculptor that continued to garner the most distinctions and honors. He was appointed Professor of Drawing and Sculpture at the École des Beaux-Arts and was elected a member of the Académie Française in 1891. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The base marked “A. MERCIE” and “F. BARBEDIENNE, Fondeur”. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Late 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e On base: 46\" high x 20\" wide x 14\" deep (116.84 x 50.8 x 35.56 cm)","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800546705730,"sku":null,"price":44500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/32-1354_1_e95c2fad-eafb-45ca-b02d-eb826666974f.png?v=1768068447"},{"product_id":"nephrite-napoleonic-tomb-sculpture","title":"Nephrite Napoleonic Tomb Sculpture","description":"Skillfully crafted of carved nephrite, this one-of-a-kind sculpture is a fantastical recreation of the tomb of Napoléon on St. Helena, the island of the Emperor’s final exile and eventual death. Almost certainly made in the first years following the legendary leader’s death, the work lends Napoléon’s tomb a grandeur and opulence it never achieved in life; the original tomb in St. Helena’s Sane Valley was a simple, unadorned plot beneath a willow. The present piece, however, is crafted with a complexity and majesty befitting the French leader. Fascinating in subject and design, this objet d’art is an intricate and dazzling display of nephrite workmanship. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e An island 1,162 miles from the west coast of Africa, St. Helena was chosen as the place of Napoléon’s final exile precisely for its isolation; the British feared a repeat of Elba, when Napoleon escaped exile after just 11 months. Due to its remoteness, few Frenchmen were able to visit the tomb of their former Emperor, and only a handful of sketches of his resting place beneath a willow tree were brought back to France. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In the present piece, the artist carves from a stunning specimen of nephrite his vision of Napoléon’s final resting place. Here, Napoléon’s tomb is bedecked in the adornments of the Empire style, with a French Imperial eagle at each corner. The top of the tomb can be removed, revealing a tiny Napoléon figurine carved from nephrite, complete with his distinctive bicorne hat, resting inside. The tomb rests beneath the flowing limbs of a St. Helena willow tree, which is the one true-to-life element of this stunning and imaginative rendering. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Napoléon's exile to St. Helena in 1815 brought an end to the Napoleonic Wars that had dominated the preceding years. After his death in 1821, his body would spend another 19 years on the island in an unnamed tomb surrounded by a simple railing. Among the visitors to Napoléon’s grave was the English naturalist Charles Darwin. With regards to the gravesite, he wrote: \"…a tomb situated close by cottages and a frequented road does not create feelings in unison with the imagined resting place of so great a spirit… if Napoléon's ghost haunts his dreary place of confinement, this would be a most excellent night for such wandering Spirits.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Like Darwin, the craftsman of this extraordinary piece must have balked at the simplified resting place of the once-great leader. Yet, Napoléon would eventually find a more suitable burial place - in 1840, following a request from the King Louis-Philippe, Napoléon’s remains were returned to Paris, where they were entombed in the Dôme des Invalides. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1830 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 19 1\/4\" high x 15 1\/2\" wide x 9\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800546771266,"sku":null,"price":44500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/30-4815_1.png?v=1768068451"},{"product_id":"la-peche-by-duchoiselle","title":"La Pêche by Duchoiselle","description":"Duchoiselle\u003cbr\u003e 1801-1900 | French \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eLa Pêche\u003cbr\u003e (Allegory of Fishing)\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bronze with a brown and parcel-gilt patina\u003cbr\u003e Signed “Duchoiselle” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This remarkable bronze figure is distinguished by its extraordinary execution and exceptional level of detail. A popular 19th-century subject for both American and European sculptors, the romanticized figure of the Native American emerged as an artistic personification of the country itself in all her beauty. Simultaneously a Greek goddess and a Native American princess, this figure came to represent a merging of the neoclassical with the new iconography of America. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e An allegory for fishing, the idealized figure is presented upon her canoe, draped in a fishing net, which mimics the classical robes of antiquity. A delicate necklace of seashells rests around her graceful neck, while her elaborate feather headdress further reveals her Native American inspiration. Duchoiselle is celebrated for the astonishing detail of his works, and the present bronze is certainly no exception. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e There is little known about the life of the French sculptor Duchoiselle. In 1882, he is recorded as the supplier of ceiling reliefs for the Louvre and Garnier Opera in Paris. Today, he is best remembered for his romanticized, neoclassical Native American subjects. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This work is pictured in \u003cem\u003eArt Bronzes\u003c\/em\u003e by M. Forrest and \u003cem\u003eBronzes of the 19th Century\u003c\/em\u003e by P. Kjellberg. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1860 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 12\" high x 36 1\/2\" wide x 24 1\/4\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800546836802,"sku":null,"price":38500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/32-2179_1.png?v=1768068457"},{"product_id":"perseus-by-ubaldo-gandolfi","title":"Perseus by Ubaldo Gandolfi","description":"Ubaldo Gandolfi\u003cbr\u003e 1728-1781 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003ePerseus\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Terracotta \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The legendary Greek god Perseus is the subject of this elegant half-bust by Ubaldo Gandolfi, a major painter and sculptor from Bologna. The son of Zeus and Danaë, Perseus was the legendary founder of Mycenae and the Perseid dynasty, best remembered as the hero who vanquished the Gorgon Medusa. He is depicted here donning the Helmet of Hades (also known as the Cap of Invisibility), which was gifted to him by Athena to aid him in his quest to defeat the snake-haired Medusa and escape her sister. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Formed from terracotta, the bust is a significant work from this artist who worked primarily as a painter. Because Bologna lacks marble quarries, artists from the region worked in more readily available materials such as clay and terracotta. Giuseppe Mazza and Angelo Pìo, along with Gandolfi himself, excelled in the medium, creating highly detailed works from the moldable material. Other works in terracotta by the artist can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) and the church of San Giovanni (Monte, Bologna). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mid-18th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 15 1\/2\" high x 8 1\/2\" wide x 6\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800546902338,"sku":null,"price":34500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-2772_1_b8a0c10b-6ad2-40d1-b96e-eeb66eff1f2c.png?v=1768068462"},{"product_id":"young-st-john-the-baptist-by-domenico-menconi","title":"Young St. John the Baptist by Domenico Menconi","description":"Masterfully carved with remarkable detail, a youthful Saint John the Baptist folds his hands in prayer in this stunning marble by the important Italian sculptor Domenico Menconi. The adolescent John is represented with his signature curly hair and shawl of camel's hair, both rendered with an astonishing lifelike texture. He is posed in a graceful contrapposto with eyes upturned, which adds a dynamic sense of movement to the work. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A ribbon at the child's feet bears the inscription \"Ecce Agnus Dei,\" which translates to \"Behold the Lamb of God,\" a title first used by John the Baptist in reference to Jesus. As the patron saint of Florence, many Italian sculptors—including Michelangelo—represented the saint in a variety of ways, sometimes with the Virgin and Jesus as infants and sometimes as an adult bearing a cross. Michelangelo's 1495 version was famous for being one of the earliest to represent John as a young boy of only 5 or 6 years old, a model that Menconi has chosen to follow here. Evoking childlike innocence and pure beauty, this magnificent marble displays the extraordinary technical accomplishment and neoclassical grace for which Italian sculptors of this era are so loved. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1860 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 38\" high x 13 1\/2\" wide x 13\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800546967874,"sku":null,"price":29850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-9178_1.png?v=1768068467"},{"product_id":"french-figural-statue","title":"French Figural Statue","description":"This extraordinary and monumental cast-iron sculpture was likely specially commissioned to the Fonderies d'Art du Val d'Osne for an important public or private collection. Designed by celebrated Parisian sculptor Mathurin Moreau, the striking work takes the form of a beautiful young maiden clad in classical robes with an amphora gracefully held aloft in one hand. The work displays a remarkable level of detail considering its iron casting, including a wreath of laurel leaves atop the woman's head and a stunning necklace adorning her neck.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDue to its large size and subject matter, the remarkable work would most probably have been exhibited in a public or private fountain, garden, estate or hotel. French cast-iron sculptures such as this one were historically preferred over bronze for outdoor decorations due to their resistance to more extreme weather conditions. Similar statues cast by Val d'Osne can be found decorating public buildings and parks worldwide, and particularly in the United States and France.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe design for this statue is reproduced in the catalog of the Fonderies du Val d'Osne as \u003cem\u003eJeune fille\u003c\/em\u003e, No. 245, plate 595.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe base is mounted with a plaque reading \"\u003cem\u003eFonderies du Val d'Osne \/ 58 BD Voltaire, Paris\u003c\/em\u003e\"\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n24\" wide x 14\" deep x 70\" high\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nEstablished in 1835 by the inventor of ornamental cast iron, Jean Pierre Victor André, the Fonderies d'Art du Val d'Osne were world renowned for their remarkable architectural designs and decorative cast iron works of art for nearly 150 years. Beginning in 1851, the firm participated in numerous international exhibitions, earning much critical acclaim throughout the years. Celebrated sculptors including Mathurin Moreau, Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, and James Pradier designed numerous works exclusively for the famed firm, cementing their place among the finest in the industry. While today the works of the Fonderies d'Art du Val d'Osne can be seen in important collections worldwide, the most visible pieces cast by the firm are the distinctive Art Nouveau Parisian subway entrances designed by Hector Guimard.","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800547033410,"sku":null,"price":29500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/30-4249_2.png?v=1768068472"},{"product_id":"marcus-aurelius-equestrian-bronze","title":"Marcus Aurelius Equestrian Bronze","description":"A rare Italian bronze from the Baroque age, this extraordinary equestrian statue depicts the famed Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius—one of the most respected emperors in Roman history. This masterfully executed sculpture depicts the legendary figure with a commanding grandeur and sophistication that is reminiscent of the best works from its era. Exhibiting a remarkable level of detail, the sculpture deftly captures the emperor's air of power and presents an impressive study in both anatomy and expression. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The impactful work is modeled after the monumental ancient equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius currently held in the Capitoline Museum in Rome. Originally erected circa 175 CE in either the Roman Forum or the Piazza Colonna, today it is the only intact bronze statue of a pre-Christian Roman emperor to have survived the ages. The present work remains true to the over-life-sized original, with the emperor exuding a sense of dignity while atop his steed, presumably overseeing a public ceremony. The horse itself is a magnificent example of equine anatomy and dynamism. Captured in motion, the horse and its venerable rider are compelling from every angle. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Few pre-19th century bronze versions of the ancient masterpiece are known. Examples are currently held in the Bargello National Art Museum in Florence and the National Trust's Saltram House in Devon. The Saltram House bronze, attributed to Giovanni Zoffoli (c. 1745-1805) and Giacomo Zoffoli (c. 1731-1785), is nearly identical to the present sculpture, though it stands on a slightly different base. The statue is also depicted on the reverse of the 0.50 euro coin, and a true-to-size replica can be found on the campus of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This bronze masterfully captures the essence of its imperial subject with a remarkable sense of strength and realism. Truly bringing the ancient world to life, the figure is a rare treasure of Italian artistry. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1780 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 26\" high x 10\" wide x 13\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800547098946,"sku":null,"price":28500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-9171_1.png?v=1768068476"},{"product_id":"panther-by-emile-louis-bracquemond","title":"Panther by Émile Louis Bracquemond","description":"Émile Louis Bracquemond\u003cbr\u003e 1889-1970 | French \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003ePanther\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bronze \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exquisite bronze sculpture of a panther was created by French sculptor Émile Louis Bracquemond. The artist was clearly a keen observer of nature, and he presents the richly patinated panther, in a prowling pose with head held aloft. Incredibly sleek in its form, the sculpture showcases both Bracquemond's artistry and the stylization characteristic of the glamorous Art Deco era.  Born in France in the late 19th century, Émile Louis Bracquemond exhibited at the Salon de la Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts in the 1930s. His works capturing panthers and other felines, such as the present model, are considered among his finest creations. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1930 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 12 1\/2\" high x 8 7\/8\" wide x 25 3\/4\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibitions:\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans, \u003cem\u003eErté and the Era of Art Deco\u003c\/em\u003e, October 14, 2023 - January 3, 2024","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800547164482,"sku":null,"price":24500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-7828_1.png?v=1768068481"},{"product_id":"tigre-saissant-un-paon-by-antoine-louis-barye","title":"Tigre saissant un paon by Antoine-Louis Barye","description":"Antoine-Louis Barye\u003cbr\u003e 1795-1875 | French \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eTigre saissant un paon\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e (\u003cem\u003eTiger seizing a peacock\u003c\/em\u003e) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bronze\u003cbr\u003e Signed “BARYE”  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Modeled by famed French Romantic sculptor Antoine-Louis Barye, this rare and regal bronze sculpture, entitled \u003cem\u003eTigre saissant un paon\u003c\/em\u003e (\"\u003cem\u003eTiger seizing a peacock\u003c\/em\u003e\"), displays the remarkable realism for which the artist is best remembered. Barye's interpretation of the hungry tiger as it devours its prey captures the innate power and beauty of the natural world. With its intimidating subject crouched and snarling with a clawed paw on his prey's back, \u003cem\u003eTigre saissant un paon\u003c\/em\u003e is a poignant reminder of the frightening strength of the apex predator in the wild. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Along with his friend and schoolmate, painter Eugène Delacroix, Barye became a primary figure in the Romantic Movement of the early 19th century. He began his career as a goldsmith, apprenticing under famous artists like Martin-Guillaume Biennais, a goldsmith to Napoleon. Often sketching lions and tigers at the \u003cem\u003eJardin des Plantes\u003c\/em\u003e in Paris, it is said that the sculptor's motto was \"Observe nature. What other professor do you need?\" In 1831, Barye exhibited his first animal sculpture at the Salon, earning him the reputation of an \u003cem\u003eanimalier\u003c\/em\u003e: an artist who renders animals. Though his ferocious artistic manner often shocked the classicists of the French Academy, Barye is also noted for the innovative techniques he developed as a bronze craftsman and is viewed as an important art historical link between French Romanticism and Realism. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Other examples of \u003cem\u003eTigre saissant un paon\u003c\/em\u003e can be found in prestigious museum collections worldwide, including the de Young Museum in San Francisco and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, MO. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1880 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 6 1\/4\" high x 7 1\/2\" wide x 18 1\/2\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800547230018,"sku":null,"price":22850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-6592_1_c5799932-6f0d-4774-8699-4448d2b8b5db.png?v=1768068486"},{"product_id":"fisher-boy-by-marcel-debut","title":"Fisher Boy by Marcel Début","description":"Marcel Début\u003cbr\u003e 1865–1933 | French \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eFisher Boy\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"Marcel Début\" on base\u003cbr\u003e Patinated bronze \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A rare and visually dynamic example of late 19th-century French bronze sculpture, \u003cem\u003eFisher Boy\u003c\/em\u003e by Marcel Début captures a young fisherman mid-action, caught in the moment of triumph as he hauls in his catch with a net. Modeled with lifelike details and expressive movement, this work displays all the hallmarks of Début’s refined technique, classical training and his Art Nouveau sensibility. The composition showcases the boy in an exaggerated contrapposto stance, one leg resting on a rock, the other bearing weight as he leans into the motion of the net. This is a work not only of technical mastery but also of great charm and narrative detail. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Marcel Début, son of the celebrated sculptor Jean Didier Début, was one of the most respected figures of the French academic and decorative arts circles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts under Henri Chapu, he began exhibiting at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1883, showing works nearly every year until World War I. Known for both his sculpture and painting, he portrayed a wide array of subjects—from mythological heroes and historic figures to rustic scenes of daily life. His works were collected in his time and remain admired today for their artistry and elegance. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Late 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e On base: 47 1\/2\" high x 20\" wide x 16\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800547295554,"sku":null,"price":18850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/32-0825_1_598016b0-6cdc-467e-9bcd-69c941af6ed2.png?v=1768068491"},{"product_id":"the-abduction-of-europa-by-hermann-haase-ilsenburg","title":"The Abduction of Europa by Hermann Haase-Ilsenburg","description":"A poignant work of extraordinary artistry, this bronze figure captures the mythical tale of Europa, the beautiful Phoenician princess who was kidnapped by the king of the Olympian gods, Zeus. Among the most well-known stories from mythology and a favorite subject of artists in every medium, the story of Europa is beautifully translated here by sculptor Hermann Haase-Ilsenburg in the early Art Deco style.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDeveloping from the organic, natural forms of the Art Nouveau style that dominated the preceding decades, Haase-Ilsenburg’s work exemplifies the shift towards the symmetry and simplification of the more streamlined Art Deco. The overall graceful, clean lines of the piece mirror the ideals of the emergent style, while its relative simplicity makes it all the more emotionally compelling. The figures are delicately balanced, with Europa’s slumped figure mirroring the heavy, sloping horns of her steed. Haase-Ilsenburg flawlessly infuses a sense of humanity into his classical subject, all while merging the ancient myth with a new iconography.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDrawn from Greek mythology, the story of Europa is among the most enduring stories of Zeus’ numerous amorous pursuits. The daughter of a Phoenician king, Europa was renowned for her beauty, which eventually inspired the love of the Olympian god. Taking the form of a bull, Zeus kidnapped the young princess and carried her to the island of Crete, where she bore him three sons, including Minos, the future King of Crete. Europa eventually gave her name to the continent of Europe, and even today an image of Europa and the bull graces the Euro coin. Widely interpreted by artists for centuries, this myth comes to life in this exquisite bronze.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1910\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSigned “HHaase” (on base)\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n23 1\/2\" high x 17\" wide x 8\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800547393858,"sku":null,"price":18850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/30-6243_1.png?v=1768068495"},{"product_id":"pair-of-bronze-busts-of-queen-mary-by-william-henry-tyler","title":"Pair of Bronze Busts of Queen Mary by William Henry Tyler","description":"Pair of Bronze Busts of Queen Mary when Duchess of York\u003cbr\u003e William Henry Tyler\u003cbr\u003e Dated 1893 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e These rare and highly important bronze busts of the future Queen Mary, created in 1893 by the esteemed British sculptor William Henry Tyler, capture the future queen in the year of her marriage to the Duke of York, later King George V. Set on elegant Connemara marble columns, these sculptures were likely commissioned by the Duchess of York herself as diplomatic gifts to be presented to royal family members and close friends. Their museum-quality execution, combined with an inscription reading \"May\"—Mary’s intimate nickname used only by family—strongly suggests this royal provenance and personal significance. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Each bronze bust portrays Mary with regal poise, rendered in remarkable detail by Tyler’s skilled hand. A serene, composed expression softens her youthful features, while her hair is carefully styled in a manner reflective of Victorian aristocratic fashion. The rich patina of the bronze contrasts beautifully with the green-hued Irish marble base, highlighting the fine craftsmanship. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e William Henry Tyler (1852–1906) was one of Britain’s leading sculptors of the late Victorian era, celebrated for his portraiture and royal commissions. The Royal Collection Trust holds a nearly identical pair of busts, currently housed at Buckingham Palace. Tyler’s ability to balance dignity and approachability in royal subjects made him a favored sculptor among Britain’s elite, and these busts exemplify his masterful technique and deep understanding of character. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed and dated “Will Tyler 1893” with the foundry mark “Cie Des Bronzes, Bruxelles” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 12 7\/8\" high x 4 1\/2\" wide x 3 3\/4\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800547524930,"sku":null,"price":16850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/32-0727_1.png?v=1768068500"},{"product_id":"terracotta-bust-of-king-louis-xv-after-lemoyne","title":"Terracotta Bust of King Louis XV after Lemoyne","description":"Presenting a regal yet approachable portrait of France’s Louis XV, this terracotta bust is modeled after Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne’s sculpture of the king executed in 1757, which now resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This version is executed in meticulous detail, with the king donning his cuirass decorated with the cross of the Holy Ghost and a draper tied under his tie. His head is turned slightly, giving the portrait a more casual, realistic feel, yet there is no mistaking his position of power in this confident portrayal. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Louis XV, also called “Louis the Beloved,” ruled as King of France from September 1, 1715 until his death in 1774, succeeding his great-grandfather Louis XIV at the age of five. Until the young Louis XV reached his thirteenth birthday, the kingdom was ruled by Philippe II, duc d’Orléans, as Regent of France. In his maturity, guided by his mistress Madame de Pompadour, Louis XV became a avid patron of architecture and fine art, and Lemoyne was his portrait sculptor of choice. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1900 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 14\" wide x 11\" deep x 15\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800547590466,"sku":null,"price":14850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-4206_1_3719916f-d492-4046-9aab-5deda37cf144.png?v=1768068505"},{"product_id":"venetian-wood-sculpture","title":"Venetian Wood Sculpture","description":"This exceptional and monumental Venetian wood sculpture features two putti holding a footed tray. With all of the exquisite workmanship expected from the famed art and artisan hub, this sculpture is further elevated by its base decorated with bas-relief of the view from St. Mark's Square. The classical view of Venice overlooking the Grand Canal towards the Doge's Palace evokes all of the splendor of Italian artistry. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1870 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 79\" high x 26\" wide x 17\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800547656002,"sku":null,"price":14500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/28-2465_1.png?v=1768068510"},{"product_id":"panther-and-hare-bronze-sculpture","title":"Panther and Hare Bronze Sculpture","description":"This 17th-century bronze sculpture, likely hailing from southern Germany, depicts a scene of life-and-death struggle in nature — a hapless hare caught in the claws of a mighty panther. The artist who modeled this richly patined bronze was clearly a keen observer of nature, and they present their subject with a high level of anatomical and narrative detail. The panther, in a recumbent pose with mouth wide, pins the ill-fated hare between his front paws, presenting not only a figural study of the creatures, but also a poignant allegory of life and death in bronze. Bronzes dating before the 18th century such as this are highly coveted by both museums and private collectors alike. The bronze is set upon a custom wooden plinth. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 17th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 6 1\/4\" wide x 3 1\/2\" deep x 4\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800547950914,"sku":null,"price":14500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-4091_1_2363738a-dbdd-4d2c-b0bf-107e907102fb.png?v=1768068515"},{"product_id":"allegory-of-peace-by-albert-ernest-carrier-belleuse","title":"Allegory of Peace by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse","description":"Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse\u003cbr\u003e 1824–1887 | French \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eAllégorie de la Paix\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003e(Allegory of Peace)\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “Carrier-Belleuse” White marble \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A vision of serenity and grace, \u003cem\u003eAllégorie de la Paix\u003c\/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eAllegory of Peace\u003c\/em\u003e) by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse captures an elegant female figure holding two doves. Carved in luminous white marble, the classical figure’s flowing drapery and gentle posture reflect the elegance of antiquity. Her downward gaze and serene expression imbue the composition with quiet strength, while the soft detailing reveals Carrier-Belleuse’s exceptional skill and sensitivity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse was one of the most influential French sculptors of the 19th century. A founding member of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts and an officer of the Légion d’honneur, he was celebrated throughout Europe for his expressive, elegant style. He served as artistic director at the Sèvres porcelain manufactory and mentored a young Auguste Rodin, who later credited Carrier-Belleuse with shaping his early sculptural language. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A favorite of the Parisian public, Carrier-Belleuse enjoyed immense popularity. As noted in the catalogue of the 1878 Universal Exhibition, “Even the English come from London to ask him to work for them.” Today, his works are held in major museum collections around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Carved after 1868 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 23 5\/8\" high x 8\" wide x 9\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800548049218,"sku":null,"price":9850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/32-1007_1.png?v=1768068519"},{"product_id":"sigmund-freud-by-oscar-nemon","title":"Sigmund Freud by Oscar Nemon","description":"Oscar Nemon\u003cbr\u003e 1906 - 1985 | Croatian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eSigmund Freud\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “Nemon”\u003cbr\u003e Bronze resin \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This original bronze Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, was crafted by renowned Croatian sculptor Oscar Nemon. In 1931, Nemon was commissioned to sculpt Freud for his 75th birthday. After Nemon initially sketched a skeptical Freud in pencil, he returned the following day with a preliminary rendering in clay, effectively convincing Freud of his skill. Nemon sought to capture Freud’s physical likeness and contemplative inner world, linking the famed psychoanalyst’s public persona with the humanity of the man behind the revered name. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Freud was very pleased with the final result, which was produced in carved wood, bronze and plaster. In fact, Freud wrote in his diary of the initial 1931 Nemon sculpture, “The head, which the gaunt, goatee-beard artist has fashioned from the dirt — like the good Lord —is very good and an astonishingly life-like impression of me.” Freud chose to keep the wood carving for his own personal collection and it is now on display in the Freud Museum in Hampstead. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Oscar Nemon was born to a close Jewish family in Osijek, a bustling city in eastern Croatia. Already a burgeoning artist, shortly after he arrived in Vienna in the mid-1920s, he met Sigmund Freud and made several sculptures of the psychologist and his dog, Topsy. Nemon enrolled at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels in 1925, where he won a gold medal for his sculpture. He remained in Brussels, sharing a home with René Magritte, until the outset of World War II in 1939 when he fled to England. Nemon would go on to make a number of busts of high-profile figures, including Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip, Harry S Truman, Margaret Thatcher and more. Many of his sculptures are recognizable for their use of bronze resin, often called \"cold cast bronze,\" which is created with a mixture of bronze powder and epoxy or other resin.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conceived 1931 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 13 3\/4\" high x 5 3\/4” wide x 7 3\/4“ deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51800548180290,"sku":null,"price":9850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0982\/5376\/6978\/files\/31-6569_1_6c60d946-045f-48ea-9cb9-20861e4b3bb2.png?v=1768068525"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.bullvendors19.com\/es\/collections\/luxury-mens-jewellery.oembed?page=2","provider":"Bull Vendors 19","version":"1.0","type":"link"}