Antique Altar - Wood - 1800-1850

Grande Portapalme da Altare (Urna) - Carved and Gilt Wood - Sicily, Italy - First Half of the 19th Century
Object Description
Refined altar urn (portapalme) of Sicilian craftsmanship, dating to the first half of the 19th century (late Neoclassical/Empire period).
The object, of notable size (40 cm in height), is made of finely carved wood, hollowed and finished with the technique of gold leaf gilding. The structure features a vase-shaped body in the form of an amphora, enriched by elegant ram’s-horn handles and acanthus at the base, typical of the architectural taste of the era. It rests on a solid square base (plinth) also gilded.
This type of furnishing was originally intended to ornament the steps of church altars or the chapels of patrician residences in central Sicily, serving as a support for blessed palms or floral arrangements.
Technical Details
Period: 19th Century (circa 1830-1850).
Origin: Central Sicily, Italy.
Material: Carved wood, plaster, gold leaf.
Dimensions: Height 40 cm | Depth 18 cm.
Conditions
The object presents in good overall condition for its age. It shows a beautiful original patina and signs of normal wear (small chips and losses in the gilding and in the plaster, visible in photos) that do not compromise its aesthetics but confirm its authenticity.