Pair of Large 17th Century Polychrome Wood Solomonic Columns With Carved Bird and Grape Design

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Pair of very large late 17th century Solomonic or “barley-sugar” polychrome wood columns carved in bird and grape design. These … Read more Pair of very large late 17th century Solomonic or “barley-sugar” polychrome wood columns carved in bird and grape design. These columns have replacement Corinthian capitals made of fiberglass. The barley- sugar design likely came from the Near East originally, was adopted as a feature of late Roman architecture and then revived in baroque architecture, largely in the Iberian Peninsula. There are two iconic sets of barley-sugar columns at St. Peter’s in Rome. The first was a 4th century gift from Constantine the Great, and the second set is by Bernini. It is believed that the 4th century set came from the Temple in Jerusalem, hence the name “Solomonic Columns.”

This pair of columns is in fair original condition. As stated, the capitals have been replaced with fiberglass replicas, there is significant loss to the pigment, and there is warping, cracking and there are losses to the wood. Their condition reflects age, exposure, and use.

Dimensions: 20” diameter at the base, 9” diameter at the columns, and 102” height See less