Italian Baroque Revival Monumental Carved Polychrome & Gilt Floor Candlestick

Antique Italian Baroque Revival Monumental Carved Polychrome & Gilt Floor Candlestick

A magnificent antique Italian Baroque Revival monumental floor candlestick, elaborately decorated from its sculptural base to its oversized candle platform. Standing with the presence of an architectural element, this is a particularly dramatic piece of Old World decorative art.

The tall baluster-form standard is built up through a succession of beautifully modeled sections, each richly ornamented with deep scrolling acanthus leaves, foliate cartouches, fluting, molded collars and exaggerated C-scrolls. The decoration becomes especially elaborate toward the base, where large opposing scrolls and pierced elements create a broad, sculptural footprint.

At the top, a substantial fluted and gadrooned candle cup supports an oversized pillar candle, giving the piece the appearance of the monumental candlesticks traditionally used in European churches, chapels and ceremonial interiors.

The aged black and muted cream polychrome finish is accented with worn gilding, with years of rubbing, losses and surface variation exposing the raised ornament and giving the candlestick tremendous depth and character. The naturally distressed surface is particularly beautiful in person—the gilt catches the light along the high points while the darker finish remains within the recessed carving.

With its dramatic vertical scale and exceptionally ornate silhouette, this piece works beautifully as a floor candlestick, altar-style candleholder or purely sculptural architectural accent. It would be striking beside a fireplace, flanking an entry or large painting, or incorporated into an Italian Baroque, Renaissance Revival, Spanish Revival or eclectic interior.

CIRCA Early 20th Century

DIMENSIONS

H: 61"

D: 16"

W: 16"