Pair Of Carved And Marbled Wooden Altar Pinnacles / Obelisks – Portugal, 18th/19th Century

An exceptional and rare pair of large decorative pinnacles (obelisk-shaped), Portuguese-made, dating from the 18th or early 19th century. These prestigious pieces were originally intended to adorn altars, altarpieces, or religious architecture.

The pieces are entirely crafted from carved wood with a superb trompe-l’œil painted decoration imitating marble (the faux marble technique) in light shades, rendered with great realism.

The pyramidal structure with a polygonal cross-section is richly adorned with relief elements gilded with gold leaf, arranged in successive registers. The ornamentation features stylized plant motifs (fleurons) that accentuate the verticality and elegance of the pieces. Each pinnacle is crowned with a late Baroque-style volute capital.

The two obelisks rest on square, stepped bases highlighted with gilded moldings. These pieces are of exceptional visual quality and highly sought after by collectors of sacred art.

Condition:

• Condition: In good overall condition.

Dimensions:

• Height: 125.5 cm |49.40 inch
• Base: 30 cm x 30 cm | 11.81 inch x 11.81 inch