An antique carved stone altar or niche shrine, Continental, Probably Mediterranean, Possibly 15-16th Century
This is a carved stone object measuring approximately 45 cm (17.7 inches) in height. It resembles a small altar stone or niche shrine. The front features a recessed arched niche, framed by decorative elements such as floral or leaf-like motifs and a central rosette above the opening. The back side is also carved, displaying a large rosette surrounded by symmetrical leaf patterns. The object is made of coarse-grained stone and shows signs of weathering and age. It is currently integrated into a small garden fountain. The object was inherited from a semi-professional archaeologist who conducted excavations himself. No inscriptions or markings are visible. Photographs of the front and back are provided for reference.
Height: ~17.7 inches (45 cm) Width (front view): ~10–12 inches (25–30 cm) Depth (side view): ~6–8 inches (15–20 cm)
Inherited
Yes
Hi Adrian,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique carved stone altar or niche shrine
Continental, Probably Mediterranean, Possibly 15-16th Century
Of closed form, the crest centering a stylized rose flanked by stylized leaves or wings, the foliate carved sides articulated around an arched opening with rounded plinth fronts, on a flat base.
Overall height: approximately 17-3/4 inches (45 cm); width: approximately 10-12 inches (25-30 cm); depth: approximately 6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
CONDITION: The condition of this small stone altar is fair to good; it retains evidence (and losses) commensurate to weathering/exposure to the elements, including erosion of detail and presence of moss.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 2,000-3,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
HI Adrian,
Thank you very much for your thoughts. I don't think this is quite as old as to be considered "Classical" or an antiquity - the weathering is not quite that extensive and the carving is atypical for that time period. I also think we can rule out North Africa as a region of origin - nothing about it speaks to any of the decorative traditions of that area of any age. We can also rule out Asia; which leaves Continental Europe as where it was probably made.
Hi Delia,
Thanks very much for getting back to me.
Unfortunately, I don’t know the exact origin of the piece. I received it as a gift from a German collector with an archaeological background. He was a semi-professional archaeologist who had it in his personal collection for many years. I don’t believe he excavated it himself, but given his experience and interests, I consider it a genuine piece—not a modern reproduction.
I know that he traveled frequently to North Africa, although his focus there was primarily on military history and militaria, not religious or architectural artifacts.
As for the stone: I’m not sure about the exact type, but it has a coarse, rough texture and looks quite volcanic in appearance—possibly basalt or something similar. It’s heavy and shows signs of weathering, with some moss residues on the surface.
Please let me know if you need any additional photos or details.
Best regards,
Adrian