French 17th Century Angel Candle Holders in Carved Elmwood - a Pair

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Standing at over two feet tall, this 17th century pair of angel candlesticks has been carved out of a beautiful … Read more Standing at over two feet tall, this 17th century pair of angel candlesticks has been carved out of a beautiful French elm wood. Because elm wood typically has an interlocked grain, it can be quite difficult to carve or split. These candlesticks were produced by a master craftsman in France during the 1600s.

Our angels have long, wavy hair that extends past their shoulders. They are wearing long flowing gowns with scalloped collars and half sleeves. The loosely draped robe reaches their ankles, exposing bare feet that stand upon a round base. One leg is also visible from behind the material due to a slit at mid-thigh. Each angel is holding a turned candle holder that has a large wrought iron pricket with a lobed bobeche.

In France, this type of candle holder is known as an Ange Céroféraire. A ceroferary is the acolyte in the Catholic church that is the candle bearer during processionals. The candle is meant to symbolize the light brought by Christ. The wings of our angels have been lost at some point over the last 400 years, so the slots where they were housed are visible in the back. Luckily, the intricate carvings and the wonderful visible wood grain of the elm have held up very well and have developed a rich, deep patina which is further accentuated with a French wax. You can place these rare candleholders on any type of table or they can be displayed on a fireplace mantel or even in a display piece. See less