What materials were used?

Artisans of the period worked primarily in timber, including oak, walnut, limewood, applewood, and chestnut, alongside metals like bronze and white metal. Stone was also prominent, with sculptors utilising marble, limestone, and alabaster for busts, reliefs, and architectural fragments.

How were wooden pieces finished?

Many wooden sculptures received a preparation layer of gesso before being painted in polychrome pigments or covered in fine gold leaf. Others were left as bare timber, relying on the natural grain and subsequent patination from age to provide texture and depth.

Where did these pieces originate?

The inventory reflects production centres across Continental Europe, notably Italy, France, Germany, and the Low Countries, alongside Asian works. Religious and domestic commissions accounted for the vast output of architectural salvage, devotional panels, and decorative bronzes.

How do I care for wooden sculpture?

Keep wooden pieces away from direct heat sources and sudden humidity fluctuations to prevent the timber from splitting or warping. Dust gently with a dry, soft cloth and avoid modern chemical polishes that might damage historical patination or painted surfaces.

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17th Century Sculpture

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These pieces of 17th century sculpture offer tangible connections to centuries of European and Asian artistry, bringing carved wood, cast bronze, and carved marble into modern interiors.