Pair of Italian 18th Century Painted and Gilt Putti With Cornucopia Torcheres

Description

Standing at just under 4 feet high and hand-carved in Italy during the 1700’s, this fabulous pair of hand-painted and … more Standing at just under 4 feet high and hand-carved in Italy during the 1700’s, this fabulous pair of hand-painted and gilt putti torcheres have sinuous cornucopia columns. Each putto is depicted standing contrapposto on top of a brown Doric order column with a gilt circular plinth. The recessions of the fluting have also been gilded, as have the putti’s curly hair, the spiral fluted cornucopias, and the fabric wrapped around the figures’ waists. This contrast of rich gold highlights with the dark coloration of the bodies of the cherubs and pedestals is visually striking and unique for this type of torchere.

At the top of each cornucopia is a metal parted leaf bobeche with pricket. The stances of the putto and the curves of the cornucopia are positioned in opposite directions, making them almost mirror images. They can still be used as torcheres, or they can be wired to make large lamps. Of course, they would also make beautiful decorative pieces. less