18th Century Baroque Italian Carved Walnut Torchiere Base with Three Putti

Details

Description

An exceptionally rare North Italian Baroque carved walnut torchiere base, probably Venetian, dating from the 17th or 18th century.

The … Read more An exceptionally rare North Italian Baroque carved walnut torchiere base, probably Venetian, dating from the 17th or 18th century.

The piece is modelled with three putti arranged around a hollow central support and standing upon a circular gadrooned base. Traces of the original gilding remain within the deeply carved foliate decoration. Each putto is individually modelled with a rounded youthful face, abundant curled hair and softly articulated proportions. Their heads turn in different directions, while variations in the positioning of their bodies and legs create a continuous sculptural composition intended to be viewed from every side. Each figure wears a narrow sash tied at the waist. The hollow central structure is visible from above and below, while the underside reveals the composite construction of the base with old metal nails or pins.

The use of putti as structural supports belongs to the rich tradition of North Italian Baroque furniture, particularly associated with Venice, where it reached exceptional refinement in the work of Andrea Brustolon (1662-1732). Although originally made as the base of a torchiere, the piece is a highly decorative sculptural object in its own right, and can serve as a focal point in a setting combining antique furniture, sculpture, ceramics and works of art.

Provenance: this piece corresponds to the example illustrated on page 64 of the Christie's catalogue and offered by Christie's, London, in 2003 as Lot 317, catalogued as "A North Italian Carved Walnut Torchiere Base", probably Venetian, 17th or 18th century. The recorded height of 33 cm is identical, and the catalogue photograph corresponds in form, proportions and decoration. The pre-sale estimate was £1,000-1,500.

Dimensions: height 33 cm; width 21 cm; depth 21 cm; weight 2611 g. See less