18th Century French Ecclesiastical Processional Candlestick Torch - a Pair

Description

An exceedingly rare and impressive pair of Louis XVI period French Acolyte processional pole torchiere lanterns / six foot tall … more An exceedingly rare and impressive pair of Louis XVI period French Acolyte processional pole torchiere lanterns / six foot tall altar lamp torch.

This remarkable pair of religious decorative objects was exquisitely hand-carved and painted in France in the the second half of the eighteenth century. Commissioned for a Catholic church, large scale, featuring an ornately carved, sculpted and shaped baluster form body, richly ornamented, intricate acanthus relief carvings, bulbous turned pillar column tapering two-piece metal capped wooden shaft, surmounted by a generous circular platform candleholder cup pricket, framed by patinated iron raised gallery scalloped bobèche, elegant original polychrome decorated finish.

The shaft can unscrew in the center breaking down into two parts, making for easy travel and storage.

Very elegant, sophisticated style, enhanced with beautifully aged patina over the whole. Present splendidly, with highly desirable heavily worn, weathered, distressed, chippy paint finish with outstanding craquelure. Mellow faded crackling green and white paint with significant losses, that does not detect from the display but adds to the overall antique character and rustic European old world charm.

Dimensions: (approx)
72" High, 6.25" Diameter

Provenance:
The collection of oil magnate Jim Musselman. Musselman has an impressive track record of finding oil, leading multiple successful oil and gas ventures, including establishing Caelus Energy, JM Petroleum, founding partner of Kosmos Energy, Triton Energy, and various other oil explorations. He found accidental celebrity when he starred in the film Big Men, produced by Brad Pitt.

Acquisition:
J. Garrett Auctioneers had the privilege of selling the contents of Mr. Musselman's Dallas, Texas mansion.

Condition:
Solid, sturdy, and structurally sound. Heavy wear consistent with age. Stable, our workshop added a matte clear acrylic sealer to minimize/slow further paint losses. Overall a superior specimen, ready to add a visually striking display to any space! less