Mid 20th Century 24k Gold Leaf Acanthus Wall Bracket by Fratelli Paoletti of Florence, Italy

Details

Description

A luminous example of mid-century Florentine craftsmanship, this giltwood wall bracket was hand-carved and finished in 24-karat gold leaf by … Read more A luminous example of mid-century Florentine craftsmanship, this giltwood wall bracket was hand-carved and finished in 24-karat gold leaf by Fratelli Paoletti, one of Florence’s oldest and most esteemed ateliers, founded in 1860. The workshop became celebrated for its faithful continuation of Renaissance and Baroque decorative traditions—producing mirrors, consoles, and sconces that embodied Italy’s long heritage of gilded woodwork.

This bracket features an exuberant rocaille acanthus scroll with finely incised veining, beadwork, and shell-form crest, all executed with the unmistakable movement and depth of Paoletti’s hand-carved designs. Its surface shows gentle, authentic patina that adds to the warmth of its gold finish.

Perfect for displaying a small sculpture, bust, or candleholder, or as a decorative accent paired on either side of a mirror or doorway.

Details

Maker: Fratelli Paoletti, Firenze (label on reverse)

Origin: Italy, mid-20th century

Material: Hand-carved wood with 24K gold leaf finish

Dimensions: Approx. 9.25” W × 10” H × 5.25” D

Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light wear consistent with age

Style Notes:
Ideal for interiors influenced by Rococo Revival, Hollywood Regency, or Italian Neoclassical design. Complements pieces by LaBarge, Carvers’ Guild, and Serge Roche.

Casa d’Arte Paoletti is a beautiful story of high Florentine craftsmanship and entrepreneurship. It was founded in Florence in 1860 by Carlo Paoletti highly recognized for his restoration skills. Carlo’s son , Adolfo,was a brilliant entrepreneur realizing the potential of the US market , where his reproductions of Florentine Renaissance-style furniture met with a great success. Together with his son Giovanni, he established the headquarters of the company in the family’s historic building,in the heart of Florence’s artisan district. In the workshop, where many young workers learned the art of the handmade carving and decoration , the use of the traditional techniques went on creating reproductions of classic-style furniture, in both hand-carved wood and hand-forged iron. The company involved many other artisans of that area to meet the fast-growing foreign demand. See less