Solomonic Columns in Carved, Gilded and Polychrome Wood, 18th Century, Set of 2

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Pair of sculptures, carved "Solomonic Columns," carved, gilded, and polychromed wood, 18th century – Spain

Material: Carved, gilded, and polychromed … Read more Pair of sculptures, carved "Solomonic Columns," carved, gilded, and polychromed wood, 18th century – Spain

Material: Carved, gilded, and polychromed wood
Period: 18th century
Country of origin: Spain
Good condition considering its age and use
Dimensions: 100 x 18 x 18 cm

A magnificent pair of Solomonic columns belonging to the decorative structure of an 18th-century Baroque altarpiece. These pieces were originally attached to the altarpiece structure; therefore, their ornamentation is concentrated on the visible side. The back shows the carved wood, but bare, without gilding and with minimal polychromy.

The Solomonic columns twist on their own axis in a serpentine fashion. Their entire surface is decorated with gilded vegetal motifs on a red background and helical ropework in a deep green. It culminates in an intricate Corinthian capital, replete with delicate acanthus leaves that curve outwards. The quality of the gold leaf gilding technique is remarkable.

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