Spanish Artist, Solomon's Column, 18th Century, Gilded and Painted Wood

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Sculpture, carving “Solomonic Column”, carved, gilded, and polychromed wood, 18th century – Spain

Magnificent Solomonic column belonging to the decorative … Read more Sculpture, carving “Solomonic Column”, carved, gilded, and polychromed wood, 18th century – Spain

Magnificent Solomonic column belonging to the decorative structure of an 18th-century Baroque altarpiece. Originally, this piece would have been attached to the altarpiece structure, hence its ornamentation is concentrated on the visible face; the other side reveals the carved wood, but bare, without gilding and with minimal polychromy.

This Solomonic column twists on its own axis in a serpentine form. Its entire surface is decorated with polychrome vegetal motifs in shades of green, gilded with high-quality fine gold leaf. The base is not helical, but fluted. It culminates in an intricate Corinthian capital, replete with delicate acanthus leaves that curve outwards.

Solomonic columns are a type of architectural column characterized by their spiral, screw-like shape and decorated with plant motifs. This architectural style originated in 16th-century Italy and became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe and Latin America.

The Solomonic column has a complex and elaborate form, with a shaft that twists in a spiral and intertwines with plant motifs such as leaves, flowers, and fruit. This spiral shape gives the column a dynamic and elegant appearance, while the plant decoration lends it a natural and organic look. They were typically carved from wood or stone and painted in bright, vibrant colors, such as gold, red, green, or blue, to highlight the details of the plant decorations. Precious materials, such as marble and bronze, were also used to give them a more luxurious and elegant appearance.

They were primarily used in religious architecture, especially in Baroque churches, where they were used to decorate altars and chapels. They were also used in civil architecture, especially in palaces and public buildings, where they were used to decorate facades and interiors.

Material: Carved, gilded, and polychrome wood
Period: 18th century
Country of origin: Spain
Provenance: Private collection
Good condition considering its age and use.

Dimensions: 189 x 25 x 25 cm. See less