Candlestick - Wood

Rare Baroque-style altar candlestick, precious testimony to Italian sacred craftsmanship of the early-to-mid 18th century (18th century). This specimen stands out for the excellent integrity of the historical patina: it has never undergone re-gilding or invasive restorations, preserving its collectible and commercial value.

Details and Authenticity

• Front of excellence: It features refined gold leaf gilding, enriched in the panels by geometric diamond-shaped engravings executed with a burin directly on plaster, typical of the best workshops of the 18th century.
• Original back: It preserves the neutral era lacquer. The clear front/back division (typical of altar pieces) is the main authenticity indicator, absent in later fakes.
• Base structure: The tripode base shows a junction of three opposed wooden blocks, tightened with hand-forged wrought iron nails with an internal structural pin.
• The dish: It bears the marks of centuries of liturgical use, with the old iron pin now buried in the original beeswax and cut flush.

Technical Sheet

• Era: 18th century (First half of the 18th century – ca. 1720/1750)
• Style / Origin: Baroque / Louis XIV - Italy (Central-Northern Manufacture)
• Materials: Carved wood, plaster, bole, gold leaf, wrought iron.
• Dimensions: Height 40 cm | Base Width 14 cm

Conditions

Structurally solid and cohesive, with noble signs of the passage of time consistent with almost 300 years of life: a lack of wood/plaster on the back of a foot and localized chipping of the preparation with wear of the gold on the dish and exposed profiles. Central pin cut flush. Historical woodworm holes stabilized and inactive. The natural craquelure on the plaster confirms absolute authenticity.

The custom packaging for this very delicate type of object will be made with the utmost care and precision and is included in the lot price. Read my reviews for references.