Solomonic columns, such as this 110-inch tall painted white pair, were first brought to attention in the 4th century when Constantine offered a pair of helical pillars to be incorporated into the high altar at St. Peter’s Basilica. Constantine’s columns, which were from the 2nd century CE, were erroneously attributed to Solomon’s First Temple in Jerusalem, hence the term Solomonic. In the mid-1600s, when our pair was hand-carved in Italy, Solomonic columns experienced a revival in Baroque architecture, as a result of the construction of Bernini’s Baldachin (completed in 1633).

Standing over nine feet tall, the prominent ridges have been carved with thick, curled leaves, while the concave sections are adorned with spiraling husks. Interestingly, while the husks form a continuous motif on both columns, the curled leaves are not contiguous on one column (see detailed photos). In fact, the twists on the back side of this particular column are more flattened and less protruding. The solid wood columns have been painted white more recently, allowing them to be used with just about any palette or style of design. They would make fantastic architecturals flanking an interior entryway or accenting a large painting, tapestry, or sculpture.

CONDITION: Very good antique condition with minor nicks and fleabites. Light losses, rubs, and craquelure to painted white finish, which was added more recently.