Late 19th Century Renaissance Revival Gilt and Patinated Metal Candlesticks, Pair

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Description

A matched pair of late nineteenth-century Renaissance Revival single-light candlesticks, Continental European and probably Italian, dating to circa 1875–1900. Each … Read more A matched pair of late nineteenth-century Renaissance Revival single-light candlesticks, Continental European and probably Italian, dating to circa 1875–1900. Each is constructed from gilt and dark-patinated cast metal, probably bronze or brass, with a mechanically assembled central structure and an elaborate programme of Renaissance-derived ornament.

The broad circular bases are supported by projecting lion-head and paw-form elements surrounding a dark patinated central mound enriched with additional animal and foliate modelling. Above, the wide drip pans carry dense relief decoration, while the urn-shaped central standards combine a dark ground with gilt grotesque or theatrical masks, scrolling ornament and opposed sculptural animal or fantastic-creature handles.

The upper sections terminate in pierced crown-form candle sockets incorporating foliate and flame-like elements. The combination of grotesques, lion imagery, paw supports, masks, scrolling foliage and classical vessel forms reflects the historicist Renaissance vocabulary widely employed in Continental European decorative metalwork during the later nineteenth century.

The undersides retain rough cast surfaces, irregular finishing and visible central assembly points rather than polished machine finishing. No maker's mark or foundry stamp is visible. Italian manufacture is considered probable on stylistic grounds but is not definitively established, and the metal composition has not been independently confirmed beyond its appearance as a substantial gilt and patinated copper-alloy casting.

The surviving surface retains considerable age-related darkening and oxidation to the gilt, preserving the intended contrast between the gold-toned relief ornament and the darker patinated ground.



Measurements: 8 in H × 5.625 in W × 5.625 in L each

Weight: 5 lb combined

Style: Renaissance, Baroque, Italian

Origin: Continental Europe, probably Italy

Age: Circa 1875–1900 See less