At over six feet tall (both measure around 76 inches), these torchère candlesticks have a commanding presence, enhanced by a silver gilt finish. Hand-carved in Italy, circa 1800, the candlesticks feature various leafy and geometric carvings.
A 2 ½” thick cream faux candle sleeve sits atop a flat capital with a foliate underside. Near the top of the shaft is a round knop adorned with concave roundels. The column tapers outwards slightly before becoming enveloped in a lanceolate leaf cup above a second knop with two layers of molding. A third foliate cup, this time consisting of parted leaves, can be seen just above a ring of beading and the tripartite base. All of the legs terminate in a monopodial paw foot, beneath a concave side embellished by two more leaves. In between each leg is a floral margent flanked by a pair of Greek key elements on a textured background of roundels
Our pair of 76 inch tall silver gilt torchère candlesticks would have likely been commissioned for an Italian church over 200 years ago. Since then, they have been wired for use in European homes, so they could easily be re-wired as floor lamps in American homes (not currently USA wired). They would make fabulous floor torchères or decorative accessories in any entry hall, library, or living room.
CONDITION: Good antique condition with minor nicks and losses, to both wood and the silver gilt. Slight age separations with small areas of wood worm (most of the holes have been filled). Old repairs with more recent restoration work. Hand-carved, so there are variations to the dimensions. Please see photos.