Monumental Italian Giltwood & Polychrome Dolphin and Floral Tole Candelabra

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Description

A highly decorative near pair of Italian polychrome and parcel-gilt torchère candelabra, conceived in a theatrical neoclassical fantasy with twin … Read more A highly decorative near pair of Italian polychrome and parcel-gilt torchère candelabra, conceived in a theatrical neoclassical fantasy with twin dolphin-form supports, classical urn bodies, and exuberant gilt tole floral candle branches. Each candelabrum is centered by a painted and gilded urn raised on a stepped plinth base, the body enriched with vertical fluting, teal-green painted reserves, gilt beading, scalloped foliate collars, and stylized acanthus borders. Flanking the urns are opposing dolphin or peacock figures, their arched bodies painted with scale-like decoration in pale blue-green, ochre, and gilt tones, creating a strong maritime and Venetian decorative character.

Rising from each urn is an elaborate gilt metal floral standard, arranged as a flowering tree with textured blossoms, veined leaves, scrolling stems, ribbon-twist outer arcs, and bow-form ornament above the urn neck. Multiple candle arms are fitted with wax candles, giving the pair a grand architectural presence suitable for a mantel, console, altar-style setting, or formal interior. The design combines several important decorative traditions: neoclassical urn ornament, rococo ribbon work, grotto and marine imagery, Italian polychrome surface decoration, and Venetian-style fantasy furniture. The lively contrast of gilt metal flowers against the painted dolphin urn bases gives the pair an unusually sculptural quality, making them as much decorative objects as functional candle stands.

Measurements: 52" h x 17" w x 8.5" d. See less