Hand-carved in the late 1700’s (the Baroque period) in Italy, this giltwood candleholder features an impressive floral and foliate rinceaux surrounding a single iron bobeche with a curled leaf edge. There is a protruding ring adorned with scalloped leaves beneath the cup. At the base of the main body is a curled leaf cup with a flower. The neck has been embellished with geometric panels filled with fluting above a ring of foliage and half round molding.

Typically, candleholders of this age would be left uncarved and in their natural color on the back, as this side was not seen (especially the case with altar candlesticks). Interestingly, the carver of this candleholder decided to cover the verso side in gilding as well and added a bulbous protrusion. The holder sits on a square base with canted corners over ogee bracket feet. Spandrels above the brackets have been filled with horizontal fluting and there is a carved roundel in the middle of each side (although the back side does not have these elements).

Our late 18th century Italian giltwood candleholder can still function as a candle-illuminated light source. It could also be wired for use in homes and repurposed into a nice desk lamp. Either way it makes for a beautiful and intriguing decorative accessory.

CONDITION: Good antique condition with wear commensurate to use, including minor rubs and light buildup to bobeche, which is missing one small, curled leaf. Acceptable wood losses and nicks to gilding, with red bole visible in some areas, indicative of age.