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ID #SA905613
FOR SALE
£2,400
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Late C18th /Early C19th Italian Carved Gilt-wood Swan .
For sale by M Lees and Sons
for sale €2,808     $3,048
£2,400
M Lees and Sons

M Lees and Sons

Sellingantiques Verified Since Feb 2013
Browse dealers 360 items
  • About Us
    M.lees & sons , 'tower house' , severn st., worcester wr12nb tel . 07860826218
  • Trade Associations
    M Lees and Sons is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
↓ Relevant Links
Id #SA905613
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Late C18th /Early C19th Italian Carved Gilt-wood Swan .

18th century
For Sale by M Lees and Sons
Description

Late C18th/ early C19th Italian carved gilt-wood swan .

Interesting and decorative large carved gilded lime-wood stylised study of a swan . Depicted with the wings spread wide apart, the neck arched in an animated or aggressive pose , the carved head with an open bill .

Excellent carved detail to the feathers of the spread wings and body with webbed feet.

Probably conceived as ornamentation for a bed canopy , the verso fitted with an original steel hanging hook . Now mounted on a bespoke detachable ebonised contemporary block plinth display base with a moulded surround.

Minor historic repairs and refreshing to the gilding , evidence of historic extinct woodworm .

This image of the swan possibly evoking the story from Greek mythology of the god Zeus who morphed into a swan in order to seduce Leda . As ornament for a bed canopy this would allude to both eroticism and seduction .

H (full) 25”

H (swan) 18”

W 30”

D 25”

Italy c.1800

Physical Dimensions
Height
63cm (24.80")
Width
75cm (29.53")
Depth
63cm (24.80")
Declaration

M Lees and Sons has dated this Italian Giltwood Swan Sculpture to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA905613
Dealers Internal Reference
ML 226
Dealers Notes

Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .

Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .

Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .

All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees & Sons .

If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance . Our inventory on the website Selling Antiques .co.uk showcases our range of stock, whilst more items are available to view on our website. Please visit us on:

www.leesantiquesworcester.com.

Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218

Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.

Description
Late C18th/ early C19th Italian carved gilt-wood swan .

Interesting and decorative large carved gilded lime-wood stylised study of a swan .

“
Depicted with the wings spread wide apart, the neck arched in an animated or aggressive pose , the carved head with an open bill.
M Lees and Sons

.

fig 1. A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal.
fig 1. Late C18th /Early C19th Italian Carved Gilt-wood Swan .

Excellent carved detail to the feathers of the spread wings and body with webbed feet.

Probably conceived as ornamentation for a bed canopy , the verso fitted with an original steel hanging hook . Now mounted on a bespoke detachable ebonised contemporary block plinth display base with a moulded surround.

fig 2. A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal.
fig 2. Late C18th /Early C19th Italian Carved Gilt-wood Swan .

Minor historic repairs and refreshing to the gilding , evidence of historic extinct woodworm .

This image of the swan possibly evoking the story from Greek mythology of the god Zeus who morphed into a swan in order to seduce Leda . As ornament for a bed canopy this would allude to both eroticism and seduction .

H (full) 25”

H (swan) 18”

W 30”

D 25”

Italy c.1800

Height
63cm (24.80")
Width
75cm (29.53")
Depth
63cm (24.80")
Date of Manufacture

M Lees and Sons has dated this Italian Giltwood Swan Sculpture to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA905613
Dealers Internal Ref
ML 226
M Lees and Sons
M Lees and Sons
Sellingantiques verified Since Feb 2013

M.lees & sons , 'tower house' , severn st., worcester wr12nb tel . 07860826218

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the M Lees and Sons Profile Page

Trade Associations

M Lees and Sons is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

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SAVE
A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal.
1 / 20
Archive I A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal.

Late C18th /Early C19th Italian Carved Gilt-wood Swan .

Archive II A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View II
Archive III A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal.
Archive V A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View V
Archive VI A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View VI
Archive VII A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View VII
Archive VIII A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View VIII
Archive IX A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View IX
Archive X A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View X
Archive XI A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View XI
Archive XII A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View XII
Archive XIII A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View XIII
Archive XIV A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View XIV
Archive XV A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View XV
Archive XVI A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View XVI
Archive XVII A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View XVII
Archive XVIII A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View XVIII
Archive XIX A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View XIX
Archive XX A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal. View XX
Enlarged Archival View
M Lees and Sons

M Lees and Sons
Telephone 07860 826218 or 01905 26620
Location
Tower House
1 Castle Place
Severn St
Worcester
WR1 2NB
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/mleesandsons
Verified Since Feb 2013
Items For Sale 360
Items Sold 1,601
M Lees and Sons
M Lees and Sons
Verified Since Feb 2013
View Dealer Info
Location: Tower House, 1 Castle Place, Severn St, Worcester, WR1 2NB, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/mleesandsons
Verified
Feb 2013
For Sale
360
Sold
1,601
A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal.
Late C18th /early C19th Italian carved gilt-wood swan .
Ref: SA905613
A carved giltwood swan sculpture with outstretched wings and a lowered head mounted on a black square pedestal.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Detail View 9
Detail View 10
Detail View 11
Detail View 12
Detail View 13
Detail View 14
Detail View 15
Detail View 16
Detail View 17
Detail View 18
Scale Reference
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures
  • Period18th century
  • StyleNeoclassical
  • MaterialGiltwood, Wood, Gesso
  • ColourGold
  • MotifsOutstretched wings, carved feather detail, ebonised plinth
  • SizeH 63 cm (25 in) x W 75 cm (30 in) x D 63 cm (25 in)

This Neoclassical Italian carved giltwood swan dates from the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century. The gilded lime-wood sculpture shows a stylised swan with outstretched wings, an animated arched neck, a carved head with an open beak, webbed feet, and detailed feather carving to the body and wings. It rests on a contemporary ebonised block plinth display base with a moulded surround, and the piece shows minor historic repairs, refreshed gilding, and evidence of historic extinct woodworm. Measuring 63 cm high, 75 cm wide, and 63 cm deep, the sculpture is designed for placement atop a sideboard. The swan functions as a decorative sculpture in a reception room, hallway, or study. Its rich gold finish and neoclassical styling suit traditional and eclectic interiors, where it sits securely on a side table or display cabinet to command attention. The combination of the gilded wooden body and the black plinth base creates a striking visual contrast that anchors the piece within a room.

FAQs

Late 18th-century Italian giltwood carvings typically feature classical motifs, detailed hand-carved feathering or foliage, and water gilding applied over a gesso ground, reflecting Neoclassical aesthetic influences.

Artisans carved the form from workable wood, applied multiple layers of gesso prep, and laid thin gold leaf onto a coloured bole clay base before burnishing the surface.

Authentic pieces display age-appropriate surface wear, exposing the underlying red or yellow bole clay and white gesso layer, along with visible hand-tool marks and structural wood shrinkage.

Position the item as a focal accent on a sideboard, mantlepiece, or console table to introduce metallic warm tones and historical texture alongside contemporary decor.

Dust the surface gently using a dry, soft squirrel-hair brush or feather duster, avoiding water, damp cloths, and chemical cleaners which dissolve delicate gesso and gold leaf.
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