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a white sculpture of a flower on a blue backgrounda close up of a decorative object on a black backgrounda white bowl that has a small flower on it
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778 - Finial of a niche or aedicule, Italy, 17th century Carved wh…
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Estimate €2,000 - €4,000
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Description
Finial of a niche or aedicule, Italy, 17th century Carved white marble. Dimensions: 50 x 33 x 15 cm. This piece is an elegant architectural finial made of white marble, originally designed to crown a niche, shrine or ornamental structure of a religious or palatial nature. The composition features a symmetrical design inspired by Baroque decorative styles, centred on a large scallop shell flanked by voluminous scrolls and stylised plant motifs that converge towards a lower central element. The quality of the carving and the refinement of the forms demonstrate the skill of an Italian workshop specialising in architectural decoration in marble. The scallop shell is one of the most characteristic ornamental elements of Italian Baroque architecture, frequently used in niches intended to house sculptures, altars, fountains and monumental structures. Its symbolism, linked to both the classical world and Christian iconography, made it a recurring motif in sculptural decoration during the 17th and 18th centuries. In this work, the sculptor has created a highly dynamic design through expansive curvilinear surfaces and deep mouldings that produce a captivating interplay of light and shadow. Owing to its formal characteristics and the quality of its execution, the piece can be placed within the context of 17th-century Italian art, a period in which architecture and decorative sculpture reached extraordinary heights under the influence of the Baroque style. Beyond its original function, the finial now serves as a prominent decorative element and an interesting testament to the Italian marble tradition.
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About the sale GRAND SUMMER AUCTION OF HAUTE ÉPOQUE AND PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
Auction location
Auction time 06/29/2026 at 4:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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