Exceptional and rare antique well made of Istrian stone - 19th century

This magnificent Istrian stone well is sumptuously hand-sculpted in relief around its entire circumference. It is adorned with four lion heads at each corner, upright foliage, the Lion of Saint Mark, two fruit bowls, and a bearded man's head. A diamond garland highlights the square rim above the well.

This ancient stone well dating from the 19th century is of the Italian Quattrocento Venetian style. That is, it is inspired by the style of the 15th century in Italy.
This was the century of the Early Renaissance, a movement that heralded the beginning of the Renaissance in Europe. Each region in Italy then developed its own style, enriched by the contributions of great artists passing through their city while preserving a regional style.

The Istrian stone ("pietra d'Istria" in Italian) is the stone used in most of the buildings in the city of Venice. It is a hard and very compact white limestone, and, above all, impermeable, that comes from the city of Istri, present-day Croatia. It was imported to Venice as early as the 13th century, when the Venetians began to occupy the Balkan Peninsula. Countless architectural works in Venice, including palazzi, churches, and even bridges, are made of this white limestone, whose impermeability made it perfectly suited to the unique reality of the lagoon city.

The Lion of Saint Mark, symbol of the city of Venice, is a representation of the evangelist Mark in the form of a winged lion. He is depicted with an open book placed under one of his front paws (a sign that during this period the city was at peace).

This rare massive well in stone now bears a beautiful natural patina of time combined with mosses and lichen.

Previously restored, this well is a unique model that comes with its thick stone base (in two pieces).

Download PDF