Skip to main content
Items Similar to Italian Marble Center Fountain, H173cm, Louis XIV Period, Late 17th Centur
Spectacular wall fountain in Breccia Pernice and Giallo Siena marble 19th Centur
Spectacular wall fountain in Breccia Pernice and Giallo Siena marble 19th Centur
19th Century French Cast Stone Fountain, Neoclassical, Circa 1870-1890
19th Century French Cast Stone Fountain, Neoclassical, Circa 1870-1890
Exceptional Pair Italian Antique Marble Wall Fountains
Exceptional Pair Italian Antique Marble Wall Fountains
Amazing and Unique Historicist-Style Garden Fountain in Marble, Spain, ca. 1870
Amazing and Unique Historicist-Style Garden Fountain in Marble, Spain, ca. 1870
18th Century French White Carrara Marble Fountain Head
18th Century French White Carrara Marble Fountain Head
Prestigious Nembro Marble Fountain Venice 20th Century H. 170cm
Prestigious Nembro Marble Fountain Venice 20th Century H. 170cm
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21

Italian Marble Center Fountain, H173cm, Louis XIV Period, Late 17th Centur

$23,694.59
£17,529.47
€20,000VAT Included
CA$32,794.50
A$32,909.16
CHF 19,193.02
MX$400,135.29
NOK 220,546.88
SEK 226,821.21
DKK 152,500.76

About the Item

An important Italian center fountain in carved marble with marble inlay decoration, period 17th century This elegant architectural composition is centered around a large radiating scallop-shell basin, deeply carved and resting upon a baluster-shaped support. The basin rises from a boldly modeled pedestal animated by powerful scrolls derived from the Ionic order, lending the piece both monumentality and refinement. The body of the fountain is enriched with finely executed marble inlays of variegated red marble set within a pale marble framework. This sophisticated use of contrasting marbles reflects the enduring Italian tradition of commesso marmoreo, in which different stones were carefully assembled to create rich architectural and decorative effects. The interplay between the shell form, the sculptural support, and the scrolling base creates a harmonious composition that is both dynamic and balanced. Conceived to stand at the center of a basin, courtyard, or formal garden, the fountain would have served as a prestigious ornamental feature, combining architecture, sculpture, and water into a unified decorative ensemble. The quality of the carving, the architectural rigor of the design, and the refined use of marble all testify to the high level of craftsmanship achieved by Italian stone carvers during the late seventeenth century. Drawing upon over thirty years of experience specializing in European works of art and architectural antiques, this fountain can confidently be attributed to Italy, c17th century. Its sculptural language, architectural composition, and sophisticated use of marble inlay are all characteristic of the mature Italian Baroque tradition during the reign of Louis XIV. The quality of execution and the preservation of original period features further support this dating. The large radiating shell basin belongs to one of the most iconic motifs of the Italian Baroque vocabulary. Inspired by Roman fountain design, the shell became a recurring decorative element throughout the seventeenth century, particularly in garden architecture, grottoes, and monumental water features. The architectural base displays a disciplined symmetry combined with vigorous scrolling forms derived from Classical architecture. This balance between movement and order is characteristic of the mature Baroque period. Unlike eighteenth-century Rococo designs, which favored asymmetry and greater decorative freedom, the present fountain retains the monumentality and structural clarity associated with the late seventeenth century. Particularly significant is the use of marble inlay decoration. The insertion of colored marble panels within a pale marble structure recalls the long-standing Italian tradition of stone inlay work, especially associated with the prestigious workshops of Florence, Rome, and Northern Italy. Such techniques remained highly prized in architectural and garden ornament during the seventeenth century. Finally, the overall execution, carving quality, surface wear, and natural patina of the marble are all consistent with a work produced during the late Baroque period. The upper shell basin retains its original central aperture, indicating that it was once connected to a working hydraulic system. An Italian work from the 17th century, it shows normal signs of wear, as well as chips, losses, and some old restorations. It disassembles into three parts. Total height 173 cm. Width approximately 110 cm at the base. Diameter of the basin approximately 90 cm
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 68.12 in (173 cm)Width: 43.31 in (110 cm)Depth: 43.31 in (110 cm)
  • Style:
    Baroque (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Marble
  • Place of Origin:
    Italy
  • Period:
    17th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    unknown
  • Condition:
    Repaired. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Minor fading.
  • Seller Location:
    MARSEILLE, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU6656248758832

More From This Seller

View All
"Medici" Vase In White Marble, Late 18th To Early 19th Century

"Medici" Vase In White Marble, Late 18th To Early 19th Century

"Medici" Vase In White Marble, Late 18th To Early 19th Century

Located in MARSEILLE, FR

A significant white marble vase in the Medici style, baluster-shaped, with a wide flared opening and a molded rim. The slightly curved body is decorated at the bottom with a frieze ...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Renaissance Urns

Materials

Marble

White/ beige Marble Pedestal Basin, 19th Century

White/ beige Marble Pedestal Basin, 19th Century

White/ beige Marble Pedestal Basin, 19th Century

Located in MARSEILLE, FR

Large white / beige marble basin on foot, 19th century? Some small chips, a natural crack in the marble Height 38cm diameter 38.5cm

Category

Antique 19th Century European Napoleon III Garden Ornaments

Materials

Marble

Large Stone Garden Vase, Early 20th Century

Large Stone Garden Vase, Early 20th Century

Large Stone Garden Vase, Early 20th Century

Located in MARSEILLE, FR

Important garden vase in carved stone with a motif of flowers and fruits; the body of the vase is decorated with garlands in relief Restorations and small chips Early 20th century ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Architectural Elements

Materials

Stone

Large center Console in marble, W194cm, Late 19h early 20th century

Large center Console in marble, W194cm, Late 19h early 20th century

Large center Console in marble, W194cm, Late 19h early 20th century

Located in MARSEILLE, FR

Impressive large center console featuring a rectangular yellow marble inlaid top, supported by two architectural white marble pilasters richly carved with stylized vegetal motifs. T...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Console Tables

Materials

Marble

Large Center Table, L158cm, Piedmont, Louis XIV Period

Large Center Table, L158cm, Piedmont, Louis XIV Period

Large Center Table, L158cm, Piedmont, Louis XIV Period

Located in MARSEILLE, FR

Large center table in gilded and carved wood, with rich decoration typical of the Louis XIV period: the belt is a long frieze of scrolls and foliage, with a face/macaron in the cente...

Category

Antique 17th Century Italian Louis XIV Center Tables

Materials

Wood

Large Putti Sculpture In Lacquered Wood, Italy, 19th Century

Large Putti Sculpture In Lacquered Wood, Italy, 19th Century

Large Putti Sculpture In Lacquered Wood, Italy, 19th Century

Located in MARSEILLE, FR

Large sculpture in cream lacquered carved wood, representing 2 putti on a large vase, celebrating a bacchanal: one of them has a head surrounded by a crown of flowers and brandishes ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Louis XIV Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

You May Also Like

Italian 18th Century Baroque Period Marble Fountain

Italian 18th Century Baroque Period Marble Fountain

Italian 18th Century Baroque Period Marble Fountain

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A most impressive and extremely decorative Italian 18th-century Baroque period marble fountain. The marble fountain is raised by a white Carrara marble and Vert De Patricia marble ba...

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Fountains

Materials

Marble

Italian 19th century Baroque st. specimen marble birdbath/fountain

Italian 19th century Baroque st. specimen marble birdbath/fountain

Italian 19th century Baroque st. specimen marble birdbath/fountain

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A high quality and most decorative Italian 19th century Baroque st. specimen marble birdbath/fountain. This exceptional fountain is raised by a detailed marble support with scrolling...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Fountains

Materials

Marble

Prestigious Nembro Marble Fountain Venice 20th Century H. 170cm

Prestigious Nembro Marble Fountain Venice 20th Century H. 170cm

Prestigious Nembro Marble Fountain Venice 20th Century H. 170cm

Located in Madrid, ES

Prestigious Nembro Marble Fountain Venice 20th Century composed of three modules, a base with basin and front. The work comes from the Venice area, a private collection. Its marvel...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Baroque Fountains

Materials

Marble

Italian 19th century Botticino Marble and Bronze planter/fountain

Italian 19th century Botticino Marble and Bronze planter/fountain

Italian 19th century Botticino Marble and Bronze planter/fountain

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A monumental and most impressive Italian 19th century Botticino Marble and Bronze planter/fountain. This exceptional planter/fountain is raised by four patinated Bronze claw feet sup...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Marble, Bronze

A spectacular Italian 19th century Renaissance st. white Carrara marble fountain

A spectacular Italian 19th century Renaissance st. white Carrara marble fountain

A spectacular Italian 19th century Renaissance st. white Carrara marble fountain

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A spectacular and high quality Italian 19th century Renaissance st. white Carrara marble fountain. This wonderful fountain is raised by a rectangular plinth supporting a top rolled c...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Renaissance Fountains

Materials

Carrara Marble

Regence Style Garden Fountain with Double Basin in Stone

Regence Style Garden Fountain with Double Basin in Stone

Regence Style Garden Fountain with Double Basin in Stone

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Regence style garden fountain with double basin in stone, Very elegant construction, this sculpted fountain can be a central focus. It could be placed on a basin in a larger basin.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XIV Fountains

Materials

Stone