Dating to the 1700s, this beautiful pair of French columns have gilded grapevine motifs over light blue pained standards. The columns are three-quarter, meaning that they are not completely round, with a flat backside. It is quite possible that the columns were once affixed to a wall, but they have been mounted to 1 ½” tall black iron bases more recently, allowing them to float within a room. The sprawling grapevines, which include large tripartite leaves and grape clusters, are arranged in a non-contiguous helix pattern. Both columns are topped by golden capitals of the Composite order, with a pair of Ionic volutes flanking thick egg-and-dart carvings. The sides of the volutes are adorned with leaves in the style of the Corinthian order, bundled by a thick rope of beading. Standing over five feet tall, the blue and gilt columns would make quite an impression flanking a doorway, such as in a foyer or wine room.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Commensurate age separations and slight losses to wood. Evidence of old restoration and gilding touchups. Rubs to gilding reveal traces of red bole, which is a desirable trait. The iron bases have been added more recently.