Pair Of Moor Torchère Figures In Carved, Lacquered And Gilded Wood, Sicily, 18th Century

Pair ofMoor Torchère Figures in Carved, Lacquered and Gilded Wood, Sicily, 18thCentury

This pairof carved and gilded wooden sculptures in the form of Moor torchère figures wasmade in Sicily in the second half of the 18th century.Standing ona carved and lacquered wooden base designed to resemble a rocky outcrop, thetwo Moors are similar and vaguely symmetrical, each holding a cornucopia-shapedcandleholder with one arm. The figures wear sandals and armor with a skirt thatappears to move, thanks to the slightly bent positioning of the legs.One figuresupports the cornucopia with the right hand at its base and raises it with theleft hand, looking straight ahead while slightly turning the head to the left.The other figure lets the left arm fall gently along the body and raises thecandleholder with the right hand, gazing upwards.Thefigures’ bodies, including eyes and lips, as well as the sculpted rocks, arelacquered, while some parts — such as sandals, skirts, sleeve cuffs, andcornucopias — are mecca silvered to simulate gold. The torso armor isgilded, engraved, and decorated with raised red lacquer elements imitatingcoral inlay.Meccagilding is a technique involving silver leaf covered with a translucent varnishto simulate the richness of gold leaf. The varnish, known as "mecca,"follows a traditional recipe closely guarded in old workshops. It includessandarac gum and gutta gum dissolved in alcohol, dragon’s blood resin, andother ingredients that together create the various chromatic nuances.This pairof sculptures is highly decorative and of notable artistic quality. They can bedisplayed side by side, spaced with other furnishings, or presentedindividually, even as central elements in a room. They work well in entryways,corridors, living rooms, studies, or bedrooms, and can be paired with bothantique and modern furniture. Their size makes them suitable for placement onthe floor or slightly elevated, such as on stair landings.It is alsopossible to electrify and add lampshades to convert them into floor lamps.Aconservative restoration will be carried out shortly.