Bronze Door Knocker Depicting A Monkey Holding A Sphere – France, 16th Century

A remarkable and unusual bronze door knocker (heurtoir) cast using the lost-wax method in a single piece, depicting a monkey reaching out as it grasps a sphere with its forelimbs.

The piece stands out for its excellent sculptural quality and the three-dimensional rendering of the animal’s fur, skillfully embossed and finished with a chisel. The monkey is captured in a dynamic and expressive movement, typical of the grotesque and naturalistic style of the 16th-century French and Northern Italian Renaissance.

The figure is cast in relief from the upper mounting point, where the original hinge pin for attaching it to the door is visible. The work is currently displayed on a custom-made metal/wood display stand.

Excellent condition, with a beautiful original dark patina from the period.

• Type: Door knocker / Bronze sculpture
• Period: 16th century (Cinquecento / Renaissance)
• Origin: France
• Technique: Single lost-wax bronze casting with chiseled finish
• Dimensions (artwork only / total):
• Height: 19 cm
• Base: 31.5 x 8 cm