Pair Of Torchère Holders In Gilded And Polychrome Wood

Pair of polychrome painted and carved gilt wood torchere holders. The baluster shaft, composed of three distinct parts, is richly decorated with various sculpted elements: scrolls, acanthus leaves, gadroons and palmettes. It rests on a tripod console base decorated with acanthus leaves and scrolls. Period of the 18th century Usual restorations, the upper part of one of the two torchiere doors is later and will be restored H. 190 x D. 52 cm The torchere holders were used from the 16th century in Europe, serving in churches and cathedrals to light the altars, by means of enormous candles placed on their trays. Their use, however, became more and more common in the private setting, and this is how we got into the habit of having them in large rooms and living rooms where their majestic presence gave the room an air ceremonial.