A Pair of Louis XVI Hand-Carved Wood Antique Sicilian Torcheres

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This is a magnificent, highly decorative pair of antique Sicilian torcheres, hand-carved from wood and exhibiting the elegant, restrained style … Read more This is a magnificent, highly decorative pair of antique Sicilian torcheres, hand-carved from wood and exhibiting the elegant, restrained style characteristic of the Louis XVI period (late 18th century). Each torchere features a deeply carved, multi-tiered baluster shaft rising from an ornate, tri-form scrolled base. The detailed carving throughout the pieces suggests a high degree of craftsmanship from a specialized wood carver in Sicily. They retain a beautifully aged, original patina with remnants of gesso finish over the dark wood, creating a rich, textural surface. The torcheres are designed to hold a single candle, with a simple, round capital atop the shaft, retaining their original metal spike for securing the candle. The untreated wood on the underside of one base with its natural wear, indicating true antiquity. These pieces are not merely functional candle holders but striking examples of religious or liturgical decorative arts, perfect for adding an authentic, historical focal point to any sophisticated interior. The pair measures approximately 62 cm in height, tall and is in remarkable, structurally sound condition considering their age, with the expected, attractive signs of wear, loss to the gesso/paint, and natural wood splitting that only authenticate their journey through centuries. See less