Pair of Italian Hand-Carved Candlestick Lamps

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Description

While they echo centuries-old designs, this decorative pair is characteristic of mid-20th century glamour. Such Italian painted and gilt wood … Read more While they echo centuries-old designs, this decorative pair is characteristic of mid-20th century glamour. Such Italian painted and gilt wood candlestick lamps are typically referred to as “Florentine Style”—blending Baroque, Neo-Classical and Rococo elements in a manner historically popular in Florence, Italy. Resting on a tripod or triform base, the lamps’ turned bodies feature classic 18th-century motifs such as urn forms, acanthus leaves, and C-scrolls. But in the mid-20th century, this ornate, gilded style re-emerged when it fit beautifully into the broader Hollywood Regency aesthetic.
These lamps were made of hand-carved wood, covered with gesso and then given a hand-painted finish in a distinctive "Venetian green" accented with gold gilt details. Apropos this vintage style, the finish is distressed or patinated.
Intriguingly, these lamps may have been converted from an earlier purpose as traditional Italian altar candlesticks when fitted with modern wiring and a light socket—thus becoming the beguiling pair on offer. See less