19th Century Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Candelabra with Dragons from A. Mazzucotelli School, Italy, 1920s, Set of 2

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Description

MEASUREMENTS:
Candlestick 1: Height: 15 cm; Width: 22.5 cm; Depth: 7.5 cm;
Candlestick 2: Height: 14.2 cm; Width: 22.5 cm; … Read more MEASUREMENTS:
Candlestick 1: Height: 15 cm; Width: 22.5 cm; Depth: 7.5 cm;
Candlestick 2: Height: 14.2 cm; Width: 22.5 cm; Depth: 7.6 cm;
Total weight: 1.855 kg

Item :
A magnificent pair of candlesticks made entirely of hand-forged and hammered iron, shaped like a dragon's head with a curved iron tongue symbolizing the fire pouring from the dragon's mouth, upon which the candle holder rests. This rare pair of mirrored wrought iron table candelabras is an excellent example of Italian metalwork art spanning the Neo-Gothic Revival and Art Nouveau periods, dating from the late 19th century to the very early 20th century and stylistically attributable to the prestigious Milanese school of Alessandro Mazzucotelli. The attribution is based on precise technical and formal features highlighted by direct analysis of the artifact: first and foremost, the complex zoomorphic iconography of the chimeras, a distinctive stylistic feature of Lombard workshops of the period, characterized by a marked plastic vitality. Structurally, the work was entirely handcrafted by hot-forging and anvil-hammering a massive block of solid iron, cold-finished with chisels and punches to define the anatomical details of the eyelashes, jaws, and the herringbone knurling along the neck. Each candelabra rests on an arched bridge base with stylized legs and curled terminals; the stem extends upward into a decorative connecting sphere that supports the creature's sinuous body. from the open, chisel-shaped jaws extends a lower volute-like tongue that serves as a supporting pillar for the drip tray and the chalice-shaped candle holder. The body terminates at the rear with a "whiplash" forged tail that opens into a lanceolate leaf, conceived as a formal counterweight. The assembly of the elements excludes the use of modern threads or welding, relying exclusively on the traditional technique of hot-nailing with a circular rivet on the back of the base, ensuring authenticity and period construction consistency. See less