Spain 18th Century, Solid Silver, Episcopal Candlestick, Palmatoria

Very rare palmatoria (Latin) or episcopal candlestick in solid silver dating from the eighteenth century. The hallmarks are almost entirely erased but the style, decoration and typology allow us to say with certainty that it is of Spanish or Hispano-colonial origin. It is in very good condition and still has its clips or snuffers attached with a period chain. A liturgical object reserved for mitred prelates (bishops, father abbots, etc.), this hand-held candlestick made its appearance in the Catholic liturgy during the popes' stays in Avignon. It is held out to illuminate the Bible or the missal by an acolyte who stands to the left of the prelate. The great simplicity of execution of the one I am offering for sale here suggests that it probably belonged to a father abbot of an order that favors simplicity and poverty and that it rather dates from the beginning of the eighteenth century. It weighs 150 grams.