Items Similar to Pair Large Antique Italian Giltwood Altar Candlesticks—Dramatic gold, circa 1840
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 18
Pair Large Antique Italian Giltwood Altar Candlesticks—Dramatic gold, circa 1840
About the Item
An eye-catching conversation piece!
This is a pair of large antique Italian giltwood candlesticks. They are just under three feet tall and were hand-crafted in Italy circa 1840. They are made of giltwood—a light softwood that has been hand-carved, carefully painted with a gesso of glue and chalk, and meticulously adorned with delicate gold leaf. Age and craftsmanship make these candle holders radiant works of art!
Sophisticated details
The details are sophisticated but not garish. The triform bases are about 8 inches on a side and have three paw-like feet. The stems are decorated with well-proportioned knops, fluting, and hand-carved petals and leaves. The tops are about 4 and 3/4 inches round, and they finish with metal cups to catch melted wax and spiked prickets to hold grand candles.
Rich history
Nearly two centuries ago, these candlesticks graced the altar of an Italian church or monastery. These altar candlesticks lit the evening services, symbolized a divine presence, and communicated the church's wealth and authority. At the same time, the candle holders represent a mundane practicality. As was common practice with church candlesticks, these were carved and gilded on only one of their three sides. The parishioners in the nave enjoyed the gleaming "front" view, while the clergy behind the altar saw only the plain gesso and wood. These candle holders offer fascinating insights into a bit of ecclesiastical spectacle!
Dramatic, radiant touch to your home
Today, these candlesticks make a dramatic statement and bring a radiance to any room. They are large enough to command attention yet small enough to sit gracefully on a table. They are perfect on your mantle, side table, console table, dining table, or library desk.
Some collectors like the traditional arrangement of gilt-side out and non-gilt-sides against the wall. Others use them as bold centerpieces, giving all guests gilded and non-gilded views (along with a quick lesson on history). A few decorators are bold enough to turn these candlesticks into lamps. Wherever placed, these candlesticks demonstrate your sense of style, appreciation of history, and eye for craftsmanship.
Message us
Don't miss the chance to own this unique piece of history. Message us to view more pictures and learn more about this pair of 19th-century giltwood altar candlesticks.
- Dimensions:Height: 32.5 in (82.55 cm)Diameter: 8 in (20.32 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1840
- Condition:Repaired: Minor repairs. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading.
- Seller Location:Saint Helena, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: IV-22-391stDibs: LU10087243491312
About the Seller
New to 1stDibs
Joined in the past six months.
No Reviews Yet
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
1stDibs seller since 2024
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Saint Helena, CA
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllAntique George II English Oak Lowboy Side Table, Circa 1740s
Located in Saint Helena, CA
This is a classic, beautiful lowboy side table. It's made of timeless English oak with a wonderful grain, age, and patina. It's "of the period" Georgian style from George II's reign....
Category
Antique 1740s English George II Lowboys
Materials
Oak
Set of Four Antique Louis XVI Chairs—Circa 1790s, Elm, Neoclassical Grace!
Located in Saint Helena, CA
Over two centuries of history, beautiful woodwork, and neoclassical elements, all with a stylish, contemporary accent!
This is a set of four antique Louis XVI chairs. They have more...
Category
Antique 18th Century Dutch Louis XVI Chairs
Materials
Elm
Pair of Antique 17th-Century French Chairs--Simple, functional beauty, Louis XIV
Located in Saint Helena, CA
Three hundred years of history, rich wood, simple beauty, and rare transitional form!
This is a near pair of early French chairs. They are dated circa 1690; imagine more than 300 years of history! They are made of two prized hardwoods--walnut and oak. The chairs are a rich, dark chocolate color with a wonderful patina. The chairs are similar in size, color, and construction, but they are not perfectly matched pairs.
The chairs have a simple, utilitarian beauty. Their open backrests have small curves decorating the top rail. The front legs and front crossbars have easy turnings. The legs are reinforced with classic H-stretchers. There are simple cylindrical feet in front and block feet in back. They are of the period and representative of an early, rustic, provincial Louis XIV style.
Each chair includes a custom hand-tied cushion made from a Scalamandre textile. The design features deep foliage in faded greens, yellows, and browns, with a few red speckles. The fabric is contemporary yet finished to look wonderfully old, faded, and worn.
The chair's historical interest will inspire the collector in you. Early on, most people sat on stools. During the 1600s, chairs--an innovation at the time--became popular. Early chairs were often backstools--more stools with backrests than our modern seats. This pair captures this unique moment of the evolution from stool to chair.
The chairs are smaller in size. Their backs are about 32 and 1/2 inches tall, and their seats are about 15 and 1/2 inches high. They are bigger than a child's chair but smaller than a dining chair.
The size is part of the historical context. For sure, people were smaller back in the 17th century—maybe 6 inches shorter or more on average. Most importantly, the small size meant these rare, highly valued items could be easily carried where needed—to a guest relaxing, a servant doing light chores, or a devotee praying. (Before we purchased these chairs, they had been in a family chapel at a manor house in the South of France for 100+ years.)
Today, you might use these chairs to provide a striking contrast with the rest of your home. The smaller size means they might accessorize your living room, study, hallway, or nook. As the chairs come as a pair, you might sit on them around a fireplace, use them to bookend a side table, or corner them around a coffee table. Wherever placed, these chairs communicate a beauty that's timeless, simple, and functional.
Email us to learn more about and to view more pictures of this pair of antique 17th-century French chairs.
Category
Antique 17th Century French Louis XIV Chairs
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Pair of Antique 17th-Century Oak Church Pew Finals—Exquisite Hand-Carved Flowers
Located in Saint Helena, CA
Exquisite flowers in hearty oak
This is a pair of antique finials or decorative finishing elements. Dating circa 1680 and nearly 350 years old, they are remarkable ...
Category
Antique 17th Century English Baroque Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Oak
Antique Regency Mahogany Cheese Coaster or Cheese Wheel Holder—Timeless Taste
Located in Saint Helena, CA
A beautiful, tasteful conversation piece
"A single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife," quips your dinner companion, Jane, as she rolls a 25-pound wheel of Stilton down the dining table. Today, this might seem odd. In Georgian times, however, this epitomized witty banter, proper etiquette, and, most importantly, the correct use of a cheese coaster.
Functional beauty in the Regency style
This is a fine example of a Georgian Cheese coaster...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Serving Pieces
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Antique 18th-Century Georgian Burr Yew Tea Caddy—Elegant, natural wooden box
Located in Saint Helena, CA
Two hundred years of history, meticulously craftsmanship, rare wood, and natural beauty!
This beautiful tea caddy is dated circa 1780, is "of the period" Georgian s...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Tea Caddies
Materials
Yew
You May Also Like
Large Giltwood Baroque Altar Candlestick, Italy, 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Baroque altar candlestick with a three-legged stand and a balustered shaft with a gold-patinated and dark accentuated setting and a wavy bras...
Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Candlesticks
Materials
Giltwood
Italian Baroque Monumental Carved Giltwood Altar Candlestick
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Baroque (18th Century) monumental altar candlestick in a columnar form with carved detail and a gilt finish and having 5 lower candle holders (flat on back).
Losses to wood ...
Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Candlesticks
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Pair of Large Brass Altar Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Lovely pair of large brass Altar Candlesticks. Adorned with classical embellishments, a pair of winged cherubs at the base, and on paw feet. Perfect for an...
Category
1990s Neoclassical Candlesticks
Materials
Brass
$1,200 / set
Pair of Antique French Brass Altar Candlesticks, circa 1920
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb pair of antique French brass altar candlesticks with a triangular base, circa 1920. These fine cathedral candlesticks are decorated with stylized acanthus leave and handsome...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Candlesticks
Materials
Brass
Pair of Italian Renaissance Altar Candlesticks
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Italian Renaissance-style (17th Century) dark green painted large floor standing altar style candlesticks with gilt carved floral and vine trim supported on base with 3 griff...
Category
Antique 17th Century Renaissance Candlesticks
Materials
Wood
$22,000 / set
Pair of Giltwood Italian Altar Sticks
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Very elegant pair of carved and gilded Italian altar candlesticks with circular scallop edge bobeches set on acanthus detailed stems with th...
Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Candle Holders
Materials
Wood
$3,500 Sale Price
55% Off
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Pair Candlestick Lamp
Church Altar
Antique Wood Saw
Antique Hand Saw
Home Altar
Gold Leaf Cup
Antique Spike
Antique Italian Altar
Wall Candle Large Pair
Antique Church Altars
Gilt Altar
Candlestick Lamps Antique
Antique Table Saw
Antique Hand Carved Round Side Table
Wood Candlestick Lamps
Antique Wood Cups
Antique Wood Hand Saws
Antique Italian Painted Console