Aztec Calendar Stone
The Aztec Calendar Stone was found near the main temple enclosure of "Tenochtitlan" which is now the site of present day Mexico City. Dating back to 1502 A.D., the calendar reveals that the Aztecs had an advanced knowledge of astronomy far superior to any other North American Civilization. The original calendar stone was a massive 13 feet in diameter.
102MC 14.5" diameter
Roaring Lion
The Roaring Lion is a handsome piece of artwork. This statue will create a stunning shelf piece which will accent seasonal entertaining or may be simply displayed for everyday aesthetic beauty. This large cat, having a short tawny coat and a long, heavy mane around his neck and shoulders is the male of the species.
107AS 15"
Warrior Chief
This Warrior Chief sculpture is from the Republic of Benin in West Africa, formerly one of the most powerful African kingdoms. The culture was dominated by the military, with warrior chiefs having complete control over their subjects. This sculpture was created in the 16th century, before firearms began to emerge in Benin life. Here, the Warrior Chief is donning a ceremonial hat and carries a spear, the traditional weapon of the time. It was also customary for warriors to carry a protective charm and a bell. The warriors would all clang their bells in unison before attacking their enemies.
114MC 17"
Boy with Dolphin
Reproduced from a 19th Century bronze depict6ing a cherub with a dolphin, in the manner of the Italian Renasissance. It was purchased by the architect Stanford White to be used as a fountain head in the courtyard of Rosecliff, the summer residence White designed for Mrs. Theresa Fair Oelrichs, which was completed in 1902.
130B
Chinese Guardian Lion Bookends
Stone guardian lions were traditionally used in China to flank the entrance of Buddhist temples and other important buildings. Guardian lions symbolize power and authority. They were meant to keep the evil forces from entering important or sacred buildings by protecting the doorways. Reproduced from the collection of the Minneapolis Museum of Arts.
138GS 9"
Thinker Bookends
The Thinker, Rodin's most celebrated work, was conceived as part of his monumental Gates of Hell. This immense bronze ornamental gate was inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy. The Thinker sits at the summit of the Gates and represents the poet meditating on his creation below. This reproduction was made from the heroic size bronze original, now part of the collection of The Baltimore Museum of Art
144B 9"
Ganesha Elephant God
One of the most beloved gods of India, the elephant-headed Ganesha is know as the remover of obstacles to any undertaking. The son of Shiva, one of the trinity of major Hindu gods, Ganesha once enraged his hot-tempered father, who chopped off his head. After pleas from Ganesha’s mother, Parvati Shiva placed the head of an elephant on the body of their young son. The subject of much teasing because of his appearance, Ganesha became so angry at the moon for making fun of him that he broke off one of his tusks and threw it at the moon thus creating the formations we know as craters. The original statue, from southern India, is bronze and dates from c. 19th century.
207B 12"
Putti Vase
The ornate Putti Vase is one of the classical styles which once graced the most lavish castle garden of 18th Century Europe. These vases boasted of classical influence. However, artists considered it "de rigueur" to add stylish touches to the main body of each vessel. Added to this traditional Greek vase are two cherubs perched atop the neck, the two medallions on the side of the body, and subtlety detailed base. Vases were an integral part of every European garden.
253AS 13"
254AS 17"
Empire Trophy
Classic elegance and craftsmanship are hallmarks of this beautifully crafted Empire Trophy Urn. The handles are finely detailed female Greek figurines. Surrounding the body of the urn is a running frieze of classical mythological figures. The Empire Trophy is a replica of 18th Century trophy urns, adapted from the Greek and later Roman urns.
270AS and 270R 20"
271R and 271V 46"
Roman Trophy Urn
Elaborately detailed Roman Trophy Urns once graced the palatial estates of 15th Century Europe. This Roman Urn features finely wrought ornamental handles and exquisite detailing. Surrounding the body of the urn is a running frieze of classical mythological figures. These 18th Century styles were adapted from the Greek and later Roman urns, which once served as grave monuments for the upper class citizens.
280V 13"
281V 21"
282V 40"
Cloud Sleep
Inspired by classical sculpture, Sergey Eylanbekov, the artist, reveals the figure in a "high relief" - an almost rounded sculpture with no defined edges. The polished, soft body of the slumbering nude stand in stark contrast to the rough, rocky bed on which she rests. Her torso is sculpted in a slightly elongated fashion and her hair drapes below her. The overall effect of the piece is accomplished, as there is no movement visible. She will remain in her quiet repose.
303 17"
Doric Column
Harmony in form and function is the hallmark of this masterfully conceived Doric column from Classical Greece architecture. The Doric column included simple yet graceful lines with a flared capital at the top to support a horizontal cross beam. The Doric column was a central feature of Greek Revival architecture in 19th century America. Its presence as a dominant architectural feature in public and private buildings communicates grace, symmetry, and strength.
304M 27"
305M 36"
306M 47"
Le Tub
Le Tub was first exhibited in the Eight Independent Exhibition of 1886 in a group of pastels. Critics reacted violently to their first view of the bathers, hurrying to interpret them as illustrations or social statements. None of the many published accounts describes them for what they are - pictures of models posing.
308AW 12"
Dress Up
Dress Up is a handsome and useful piece of artwork. This piece will create a stunning centerpiece which will accent seasonal entertaining or simply display for everyday aesthetic beauty. Dress up is a unique collector's item that will be treasured for years to come.
313RS 20"
George Washington (1732-1799)
A timeless replica of the first U.S. President, originally created by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon in 1785. Houdons bust of President Washington was part of a commission by the Virginia legislature to commemorate this great American. Houdons original work, and a full length sculpture in the Virginia state capitol, are believed by many art historians to be the most authentic rendering of Washington.
314B 11"
Dragon Figure, Late Han Dynasty, China 25-220 A.D.
This elegant sculpted dragon often adorned Chinese tombs for the upper class and royalty as well as flags and public buildings. In Chinese mythology dragons are associated with strength and masculinity, and as having unlimited supernatural powers over heaven and earth. They have often stood for forces of nature, specifically water and weather. The original was made of earthenware with a lead glaze.
316AS 8"
317AS 12"
Hippopotamus
The name "hippopotamus" comes from the Greek, meaning "river horse." These engagingly grotesque looking mammals, which have the largest heads and mouths of any animal in proportion to their size, are plant eaters of usually gentle disposition, but since early times inspired awe because of their size and strange appearance. In ancient Egypt, the hippopotamus was associated with the evil god Seth, the enemy of the sun god Re, possibly because they damaged the country's crops. However, statuettes of hippopotami were placed in Egyptian tobs to insure good hunting in the hereafter.
318B 8"
Homer Mask
This expressive portrait of the great poet is a striking example of the creative passion of the Hellenistic period in Greece arts. The mask is adapted from a Roman copy of a 2nd century Greek sculpture. The Roman copy was created in bronze and is displayed in the British Museum, London. Homer was one of the last great tragic poets of Greece.
319V 16"
Kuan Yin
Rejecting the Tibetan Buddhist forms which had been popularized by the proceeding Mongol Yuan Dynasty (1279 A.D. - 1368 A.D.), the native Chinese Ming Dynasty favored artistic themes reminiscent of the earlier Sung period (960 A.D. - 1279 A.D.). The dreamy, compassionate image of the Kuan Yin was, as always, one of the most popular. Closely associated with Avalokiteshvara is the small figure of Amitabha ("Boundless Light"), the Buddha of the West, found in the Kuan Yin's headdress.
322J 14"
Lion Bowl
This classically inspired piece features a quartet of majestic lions, symbolizing royalty, valor, strength, and bravery. A gently rounded bowl sits atop the watchful lions in this decorative piece with a distinctive aged stone finish.
323AS 15"
324AS 22"
Mali Vessel
A 19th century Bambara (sometimes Bamana or Banmana) ceremonial vessel. The Bambara, who inhabit the upper Niger in Mali, West Africa, attach a ritual significance to all objects they create. The stylized markings on the vessel are similar to those often seen in body scarification in the region. The vessel is circled by several animals, which feature in the complex symbology of the Bambara.
326RS 11" x 12"
Male Torso
The art of ancient Greece has had an enormous influence on Western Art, particularly sculpture. During the Classical period, Greek sculptors came to a more naturalistic depiction of the human body, with much emphasis on movement and weight. This comes through in the Male Torso, which has the distinct look of a body in motion. The heroic nudity of the gods, warriors and mortals was a natural expression of the Greeks open admiration of the perfectly developed male body, and sculpture during this period often tried to capture this ideal.
327BS 16"
Mother and Child
Although an expert in many mediums, Walter A. Hannula favors direct carving in stone. His forms are strongly abstract in style but do not deny the natural shapes from which they evolve, nor the emotions which motivated them. His radical concentration on the essence of a concept never winds up with a dehumanized construction. "Mother and Child" was carved in sandstone in 1963. The artist considers this as the definitive execution after two preliminary versions which were widely exhibited and acclaimed.
328W 8.5"
Sea Horse King
The Sea Horse King rising from the foaming surf, with his magnificent mane of sea shells, captures the spirit of invincible strength. This powerful interpretation of a mythological steed is enhanced by a weathered finish suggestive of time-worn stone. The Original scupture is by Canadian-born Charles Le Norreys who studied art sculpture at the School of Beaux Arts in Montreal.
340SS 14"
Robert E. Lee (1807-1870)
A classic rendition of the great general who commanded the Confederate Army in the Civil War. Many believe Robert E. Lee to be one of the most heroic figures in American History. He fought not for personal gain, but to prove himself worthy of a cause. Union General Ulysses S. Grant, to whom Lee was finally forced to surrender, said about Lee: There was not a man in the Confederacy whose influence with the whole people was as great as his. This sculpture has lifelike touches that make it a unique and noteworthy collectors item.
349B 13"
Pieta
This sculpture is the final and also the highest achievement of Michelangelo's early period. It was completed when he was only 24 years old. During his long life, he produced works which were more powerful, more mature, and of greater artistic value than this, the first of his four Pietas. Yet hardly any other image created by his brush or his chisel has been so deeply and universally loved as this early vision of the supreme sorrow which he wrestled from a huge block of faultless Carrara marble with the consummate skill of a great master.
350AW 11"
Greek Hoplite Warrior
The Greek Hoplite warrior represents power and courage. The Hoplites were the most feared soldiers of the 7th through mid-4th centuries B.C. Their helmets were designed to protect the face and throat, an otherwise easy target. Many helmets had distinctive nose pieces and elaborate horse-hair crests. Body armor was created with bronze and leather. This warrior wears an Early Corinthian Hoplite helmet with characteristic cheek guards designed to cover the face.
410V 13"
Asklepios
Asklepios (also Asclepius): The Greek god of physicians and healing. According to mythology, he was the favorite son of Apollo. His daughter Hygieia, was the goddess of health.
560AS 14.5"
Column Bookends
For the ancient Greeks, columns served to support a temple's facade. The Corinthian column, developed in the 5th century BC, was not widely used until Roman times. Unlike the Doric and Ionic orders, it displayed a profusion of carved acanthus leaves. These column bookends reveal Corinthian columns crowned by a pediment. Two piece set.
601AW 12"
Cat's Meow
The Cat's Meow reflects the attitude of all the sassy cats we have ever met. The simple domestic cat is one of the most popular and whimsical creatures - known for its attitudes and antics. The Cat's Meow is a unique collector's item that will be treasured for years to come.
600V 8"
602V 21"
Seal
This is a whimsical piece - a baby seal cavorting on its back. It conveys a lively charm which is enhanced by the pleasing texture of the stone.
605B 10"
Swiss Lion Bookends
The majestic lions on these bookends are reproductions of a lion monument in Lucerne, Switzerland. The monument was carved out of a natural rock wall by Danish sculpture Bertel Thorvalsen in 1821 to commemorate the 700 Swiss Guards who protected the royal family at the Tuileries Palace in Paris during the French Revolution. Mark Twain called the monument “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world".
609RS 8"
Walking Lion
This portrait of the majesty and innate physical power of the king of beasts was executed by one of the first modern sculptors to address himself to animals as his subject. At a time when the academicians of France considered only historical, mythical, or other heroic subjects fit themes for the serious attention of a painter or sculptor, Antoine Louis Barye haunted the "Jardin des Plantes" in Paris to observe and sketch the wild animals in the zoological collection.
613AB 6"
614AB 16"
Moon Gazing Hare
Hares have been nearly universal symbols of fertility and abundance since ancient times for cultures as wide-ranging as the Celts and the Chinese. Instead of a man in the moon, these ancient cultures saw the image of a hare in the moon, so moon gazing hares were said to be looking up at their ancient ancestor in the moon. The hare was known to be sacred to the goddess Eostre, an ancient Pagan goddess who was celebrated at the Spring equinox. Christian traditions adopted the name Easter from Eostre, and her sacred hare seems to have become our familiar Easter bunny.
619AS 6.5"
L'Aurore
The original sculpture of this angelic female goddess graces the grounds at the Elms Mansion, one of the magnificient properties of the Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island.
629AS 15.5"
Lincoln and Tad
President Abraham Lincoln and his youngest son Tad came to Richmond, Virginia, on April 4, 1865—three days after the Confederate capital had fallen to Union General Grant’s army. It was also Tad’s twelfth birthday. Though weary from the war’s long travails, Lincoln came “to bind up the nation’s wounds.” As a journalist who witnessed the visit reported, the president “came not as a conqueror, not with bitterness in his heart, but with kindness. He came as a friend, to alleviate sorrow and suffering—to rebuild what has been destroyed.”
This reproduction of President Lincoln and Tad, as well as the original statue, were created by the renowned sculptor David Frech. The bronze life-sized statue was dedicated on April 4, 2003, at the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond, Virginia, and donated to the National Park Service.
702BB
Head of Lincoln
John Gutzon de la Mothe Borglum (1867-1941) was a prolific painter and sculptor who, aside from other works, has one hundred seventy public monuments to his credit. The Lincoln head on Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills — part of the gigantic mountain carving, which includes the faces of Washington, Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt — is based on this model. It was started in 1927, under Borglum’s direction, and was completed in 1942, eight months after the artists death. The scale rendition by the contemporary sculptor Joanna G. Kendall, from which this replica was made, has been hailed by Lincoln scholars and experts as a magnificent achievement which reflects all the dignity and grandeur of one of the most beloved American monuments.
711RDS 9.5"
John F. Kennedy
John Fitzgerald Kennedy (May 29, 1917—November 22, 1963) was the 35th President of the United States of America. He served from 1961 until his assassination in 1963, energizing Americans with his youth and optimism. In his inaugural address, he famously urged the American people to service saying, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
760SG 23"