A Rare Pair of French Altar Candlesticks

Late 18th / Early 19th Century

This distinguished pair of French altar candlesticks dates from the late 18th to early 19th century and exemplifies the restrained, utilitarian elegance associated with ecclesiastical furnishings of the period.

Hand-carved and turned from solid wood, the candlesticks retain their original dark grey-green painted surface, untouched and richly patinated. The surface shows honest wear throughout, with areas of rubbing, surface losses, and natural age-related splits to the timber, all entirely consistent with prolonged devotional use. These elements are not flaws but clear markers of authenticity and originality.

Each candlestick is fitted with its original lead-weighted base, a practical feature intended to provide stability when in use on an altar. One candlestick sits slightly off-true when viewed from certain angles, a result of hand craftsmanship and natural timber movement over more than two centuries. Such irregularities are typical of early altar furniture and form part of their historical character; these objects were made for service, not perfection.

Circa 1780–1820

Painted wooden candlesticks of this form were widely used in French churches and chapels during the late Ancien Régime and into the post-Revolutionary period. Altar furnishings were often executed in painted wood rather than gilt bronze or silver, particularly for rural parishes and monastic settings. The survival of such pieces is rare, as many were later replaced, stripped, or lost during the upheavals of the French Revolution and subsequent church reforms of the 19th century.

The muted grey-green paint is characteristic of ecclesiastical interiors of the period, chosen for its solemnity and compatibility with candlelight rather than ostentation.

Dealer’s Comment

A wonderfully honest and untouched pair of French altar candlesticks, retaining their original surfaces and proportions. The wear, movement in the wood, and slight asymmetry speak eloquently of age and devotional use. Increasingly difficult to find in pairs and in such original condition, these candlesticks bring a quiet authority and authenticity to both ecclesiastical and contemporary interiors. A very strong example of period altar furniture.

Condition Report

In very good and entirely original condition, consistent with age and use.

Both candlesticks retain their original painted surfaces, showing expected and honest wear throughout, including areas of rubbing, surface losses, and softening to the carving from centuries of handling and exposure to candle smoke. There are natural age-related splits to the wood, typical of early turned ecclesiastical pieces and in no way compromising the structural integrity.

The lead-weighted bases are original and intact. One candlestick sits slightly off-centre when placed in a particular position, attributable to hand manufacture and natural movement of the timber over time; this is entirely consistent with period altar furnishings and should be regarded as part of their authentic character rather than a defect.

No evidence of later repainting, over-restoration, or structural repair. Overall, a strong, honest pair with excellent patina and integrity, displaying well and suitable for decorative or devotional presentation.

Measurement

Height:            51 cm /      20.1 inch (each)

Width:             12 cm /      4.7 inch (each)

Depth:             12 cm /      4.7 inch (each)

Weight:           0.9 k.g. /     2 lbs (each)