A Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Candlestick
£750.00
Description
A magnificent and tall Italian altar-style candlestick, dating to the late 18th Century (c. 1780–1795). Carved with exceptional finesse, this piece showcases the transition from the exuberant Baroque to the refined Neoclassical taste. Raised on a substantial tripod base, the candlestick features fluted columnar details and hand-carved acanthus foliation, retaining its original Gilt/Silver-leaf/Polychrome surface which has mellowed to a sublime, historic patina.
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International delivery is estimated at 5-7 working days.
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A Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Candlestick
A magnificent and tall Italian altar-style candlestick, dating to the late 18th Century (c. 1780–1795). Carved with exceptional finesse, this piece showcases the transition from the exuberant Baroque to the refined Neoclassical taste. Raised on a substantial tripod base, the candlestick features fluted columnar details and hand-carved acanthus foliation, retaining its original Gilt/Silver-leaf/Polychrome surface which has mellowed to a sublime, historic patina.
 In the late 1700s, Italy was the epicentre of the Grand Tour. Objects such as this were frequently found in aristocratic villas and ecclesiastical settings. Its design is heavily influenced by the architectural discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum, which sparked a European obsession with the "Antick" style. The tripod base is a direct reference to the ancient Roman delphics (sacred tripods).
Unlike Northern European candlesticks of the same era, Italian examples are celebrated for their sculptural theatricality. The wood is hand-carved with deep gouge-work to ensure that under candlelight, the play of shadow and light emphasises the relief of the carvings. These were often commissioned in pairs or sets of six for grand palatial halls.
Dealer’s Comments
"There is a specific soul to 18th-century Italian carving that cannot be replicated. This candlestick possesses a wonderful 'dry' surface, exactly what the discerning collector looks for. It hasn't been over-restored; instead, it wears its history in the gentle wear of the gilt, revealing the warm 'bole' (clay) underneath. It is an architectural silhouette that works perfectly as a standalone sculpture or converted into a bespoke floor lamp for a sophisticated contemporary interior."
Condition Report
The candlestick is in excellent country-house condition. The carving remains remarkably intact, with only minor, stable losses consistent with over 200 years of age. The timber is stable and has been treated for historic woodworm (long-since inactive). The surface is original, showing a beautiful craquelure and authentic wear to the high points of the carving, adding to its decorative integrity.
Measurement
Height:Â Â Â Â Â Â 67 cm /Â Â Â 26.4 inch
Width:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 23 cm /Â Â Â 9.1 inch
Depth:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 23 cm /Â Â Â 9.1 inch
Weight:Â Â Â Â Â Â 0.7 k.g. /Â Â 1.5 lbs
Cleaning, Polishing & Restoration
All our collections have been through our workshop and where possible, we always try to maintain the original finish preserving the patina and colour, some items are sympathetically restored and this is done by our own skilled craftsmen using only traditional methods
