18th Century, Pair Of Neoclassical Italian Carved And Gilt Wood Candlesticks

18th century, Pair of Neoclassical Italian carved and gilt wood candlesticks
Dimensions: H 98 cm (height without iron candle holder: 86.5 cm) x W 27 cm x D 25 cm

This refined pair of neoclassical candlesticks was made in Genoa toward the end of the 18th century. Crafted from richly carved and gilded wood, they feature an elegant design that rises gracefully from the base upward. Each consists of a base with curved, undulating lines, resting on a tripod with scrolled feet and acanthus leaf decorations. The bases are adorned with Renaissance-style grotesque masks, topped with shell motifs. A carved egg-and-dart molding separates the base from the upper structure. Above this rest three dolphins, whose tails, transforming into leafy elements, are connected by additional masks holding garlands of flowers in their mouths. The masks and tails support a trilobed element with a dynamic profile that narrows upward, decorated on its sides with palm motifs and twisted half-columns. Leaf carvings lead into the final portion, which is fluted and widens into a circular top with an egg-and-dart rim, designed to hold the candle via an iron spike. The two candlesticks can be optionally converted into lamps by electrifying them and adding lampshades. Highly decorative and elegant, they can easily be placed in various settings—as sculptural objects—on dressers, consoles, small tables, or stairways. The front sides of the candlesticks are carved and gilded, while the back sides are lacquered in the traditional bole red color, a typical finishing technique of the time.