17th Century Italian Baroque Bronze Altar Candelabra Lamps, Marian Monogram - Pair

Details

Description

RARE PAIR OF 17TH-CENTURY ITALIAN BAROQUE BRONZE ALTAR CANDELABRA — LAMP CONVERSIONS

An exceptional matched pair of authentic 17th-century Italian … Read more RARE PAIR OF 17TH-CENTURY ITALIAN BAROQUE BRONZE ALTAR CANDELABRA — LAMP CONVERSIONS

An exceptional matched pair of authentic 17th-century Italian High Baroque cast bronze altar candelabra, converted to electric table lamps in the mid-20th century.

Originally commissioned for an Italian church or private chapel, each piece bears a prominent hand-engraved "M" monogram within a classic Baroque cartouche on the base — a Marian dedication (the Virgin Mary) indicating original placement on a high altar or side chapel.

DIMENSIONS: 26 inches tall without shade; 36 inches tall with shade.

AUTHENTICITY HIGHLIGHTS:
- 17th-century casting core: the hollow tripod feet retain their original plaster-and-sand core ballast, the definitive hallmark of 17th-century cire perdue (lost-wax) and sand casting used to weight large ecclesiastical bronzes.
- Living patina: dark, multi-tonal bronze surface with centuries of natural oxidation, hand-chasing, and original foundry depth.
- Architectural form: tiered baluster neck over a scrolling tripod base with acanthus leaves and volutes.
- True matched pair, surviving together for over 350 years.

PROVENANCE: Sourced roughly 50 years ago from a prominent antique firm in Doylestown, PA. The original cast bronze drip pans were retained as decorative seats for the light sockets during the mid-century conversion.

CONDITION: Exceptional antique condition consistent with age (c. 1650-1690). Beautiful aged patina with expected light surface wear. Wiring is functional (standard US plugs and sockets). Shades included.

SHIPPING: Shipping is arranged through Chairish at the buyer's expense. Local pickup available in East Rutherford, NJ.

COMPARABLE AUCTION SALES

1. Christie's, 12 June 2003 — pair of Venetian 17th-century bronze altar candlesticks, 28/28.5 in., SOLD GBP 14,340 against a GBP 18,000-22,000 estimate. Note: 2003 sale, nominal unadjusted price.
https://www.christies.com/lot/a-pair-of-bronze-candlesticks-venetian-late-5868883/?intObjectID=5868883&lid=1

2. Christie's, 19 May 2004 — pair of Venetian 17th-century bronze altar candlesticks, SOLD USD 8,365 against a USD 8,000-12,000 estimate. Note: 2004 sale, nominal unadjusted price.

3. Sotheby's, 2022, Old Master Sculpture sale — pair of Northern Italian 17th-century bronze candlesticks, estimate GBP 8,000-12,000. Note: estimate only, no public sold price.
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/old-master-sculpture-works-of-art/northern-italian-17th-century

4. Christie's — set of four gilt-metal altar candlesticks, sold USD 19,120 (USD 9,560 per pair equivalent). Note: gilt metal, 19th century or possibly earlier. See less