Antique Pair 17th Century Baroque Carved & Gilded Solomonic Columns Italy 1680

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A fine and rare pair of Italian Baroque carved giltwood and polychrome-painted Solomonic columns, late 17th century, circa 1680.
Each … Read more A fine and rare pair of Italian Baroque carved giltwood and polychrome-painted Solomonic columns, late 17th century, circa 1680.
Each spiral-twist column carved with trailing grapevines and bunches of grapes, the decoration carved and gessoed and gilded on the polychrome columns.
Each column with a Corinthian capital to the top and raised circular base with a square hand-painted plinth, with polychrome scagliola technique, designed to resemble veined marble. This rare and elegant pair of columns are ready to grace your space.
Minor rubbing and small losses to partially refreshed gilding, generally In remarkably good antique condition.

According to tradition, Emperor Constantine brought twisted columns from Jerusalem's Temple to Rome in the 4th century, believing they were authentic relics from King Solomon's Temple.
The style was heavily revived by the Italian sculptor and architect, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who designed the massive bronze Solomonic columns for the altar canopy in New St. Peter's Basilica. See less