Mid-Century Italian Rococo Painted and Gilt Composition Six-Light Chandelier

Details

Description

Richly sculptural and highly decorative, this vintage chandelier captures the exuberant spirit of Italian Rococo design through its flowing curves, … Read more Richly sculptural and highly decorative, this vintage chandelier captures the exuberant spirit of Italian Rococo design through its flowing curves, floral ornament, and warm gilt accents. Crafted in Italy circa 1950, the six-light fixture is molded from a substantial composition material with a softly aged cream and pale gray painted finish highlighted throughout with gilded details.

The chandelier is centered by a tall fluted and tapered standard decorated with scrolling acanthus leaves, flower heads, and gilt ornament. Six gracefully curving arms radiate from the central body, each modeled with elaborate pierced foliage, blossoms, and elongated decorative drops. Gilt-finished candle cups and baluster-form supports add contrast and richness to the lighter painted surface.

The molded composition material allows for exceptionally deep and intricate relief, giving the chandelier the appearance of finely carved ornament while creating a substantial, sculptural presence. Naturalistic leaves and flowers appear to climb around the central stem and continue along the arms, producing the fluid, almost vine-like movement characteristic of the Rococo aesthetic. Areas of rubbed gilding and softly distressed paint enhance the dimensional quality of the decoration and give the fixture an appealing aged patina.

The lower body terminates in a decorative finial, while the chandelier is suspended from a coordinating painted chain and round ceiling canopy. Newly wired for use in the United States, the fixture accommodates six candelabra-base bulbs.

Elegant in scale and especially decorative from every angle, this Italian chandelier would make a striking focal point above a dining or breakfast table, in an entry, bedroom, powder room, or other traditional interior.

Excellent condition commensurate with age and use.

Dimensions: 27” Diameter x 29” H See less