1580 - Tuscany - Pair Of Candlesticks Sculpted With Angels

Extraordinary pair of candlesticks (real sculptures!) in carved, painted and gilded wood, from the Tuscan area, from the end of the 16th century (around 1580). The structure of the two candlesticks can be divided into 3 orders: - The base, composed of 3 feet on which 3 volutes with phytomorphic features develop, lacquered in shades of green and red, separated by two graceful sculpted flowers. On the central volute there is an angel's face, of extraordinary grace and sweetness. - The shaft, composed of an onion knot with a winged cherub with festoons in the center. The knot rests and almost seems to generate from a phytomorphic element at its base. - The real full-figure sculpture of the angel in the round, with the bust slightly leaning upwards in the act of holding the base of the torch. Note the grace of the movement and the very refined openwork sculpture of the legs, wings and arms, which, although integral with the rest of the chandelier, highlight volume and spatiality through the hollows sculpted “to remove”. The base on which the candle is placed, still complete with its iron pin, is onion-shaped and features a flower surrounded by a garland motif on the front. A pair of extraordinary objects, in good condition considering the age. The colour scheme has been consolidated and where present it is original. The only restoration was carried out in reconsolidating the base of the angel of one of the two candlesticks, but nothing is fake (in the colour scheme or in the material) and nothing is missing. Widespread and numerous woodworm holes characterise the surface of both pieces, but they have been treated and eradicated and now contribute exclusively to highlighting the flavour and age of these splendid candlesticks. Size 23 x 18 x 65H cm each