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18th-Century Polychrome Carved Wood Altar Figure Table Lamps - a Pair

About the Item

An extraordinary, highly important pair of continental European or Spanish Colonial polychrome and gilded carved wood figurative table lamps. Originally hand-sculpted in Italy or Mexico during the late 18th to early 19th century, these monumental figures were originally created as ecclesiastical torch-bearers (ciriales) or altar angels. Each figure is hand-carved from solid timber, depicting a standing female allegorical form draped in a traditional forest green kirtle and crimson skirt with gilded trim, holding a massive, dynamic gilded cornucopia torch standard. The surfaces exhibit an exceptional layering of historic polychrome paint over a traditional gesso ground, with rich water-gilding along the sculptural drapery scrolls. Circa 1940, these historic devotional carvings were expertly converted into custom table lamps for the luxury interior design trade. The figures are mounted onto substantial, stepped dark-stained wooden plinths, with brass gooseneck pipe fittings extending from the original candle spikes to support modern lighting clusters. These lamps successfully bridge the worlds of antiqarian fine art, regional Baroque sculpture, and mid-century high-style design. Having survived over two centuries as a contiguous, mirrored pair, they serve as commanding, museum-tier structural statements. Dimensions( Total height to socket top, figure height, and base width/depth)Condition ReportOverall Condition: Very Good antique/vintage condition – Structurally sound, stable, and beautifully preserved with magnificent historic character.Carvings & Polychrome: The solid wood figures remain entirely sound with no active structural splits or loose joints. The surface retains a high percentage of its original 18th-century polychrome paint and gold leaf gilding. True to their age and processional history, the figures exhibit minor, stable historical restorations, soft superficial paint losses, and an authentic, beautifully aged web of crackle ("craquelure") to the gesso foundation.Conversion & Electrical: The 1940s mounting bases are stable. The lamps have been professionally rewired to modern safety standards, fitted with new high-quality sockets and clear structural cords, and are in perfect working order.An extraordinary, highly important pair of continental European or Spanish Colonial polychrome and gilded carved wood figurative table lamps. Originally hand-sculpted in Italy or Mexico during the late 18th to early 19th century, these monumental figures were originally created as ecclesiastical torch-bearers (ciriales) or altar angels. Each figure is hand-carved from solid timber, depicting a standing female allegorical form draped in a traditional forest green kirtle and crimson skirt with gilded trim, holding a massive, dynamic gilded cornucopia torch standard. The surfaces exhibit an exceptional layering of historic polychrome paint over a traditional gesso ground, with rich water-gilding along the sculptural drapery scrolls.Circa 1940, these historic devotional carvings were expertly converted into custom table lamps for the luxury interior design trade. The figures are mounted onto substantial, stepped dark-stained wooden plinths, with brass gooseneck pipe fittings extending from the original candle spikes to support modern lighting clusters. These lamps successfully bridge the worlds of antiqarian fine art, regional Baroque sculpture, and mid-century high-style design. Having survived over two centuries as a contiguous, mirrored pair, they serve as commanding, museum-tier structural statements. Condition Report Overall Condition: Very Good antique/vintage condition – Structurally sound, stable, and beautifully preserved with magnificent historic character. Carvings & Polychrome: The solid wood figures remain entirely sound with no active structural splits or loose joints. The surface retains a high percentage of its original 18th-century polychrome paint and gold leaf gilding. True to their age and processional history, the figures exhibit minor, stable historical restorations, soft superficial paint losses, and an authentic, beautifully aged web of crackle ("craquelure") to the gesso foundation. Conversion & Electrical: The 1940s mounting bases are stable. The lamps have been professionally rewired to modern safety standards, fitted with new high-quality sockets and clear structural cords, and are in perfect working order.

Dimensions:
Height: 27 in (68.58 cm)Width: 8 in (20.32 cm)Depth: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Power Source:
Plug-in
Voltage:
110-150v
Style:
Spanish Colonial (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Metal,Wood,Wool,Carved,Gilt,Polychromed
Place of Origin:
Mexico
Period:
Late 18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
c. 1780
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Old very old.
Seller Location:
Camden, ME
Reference Number:
Seller: App 4591stDibs: LU89842353352