A fine pair of late 18th/ early 19th century silver and silver gilt filigree candlesticks, probably Dutch.
A fine pair of late 18th/ early 19th century silver and silver gilt filigree candlesticks, probably Dutch.
£2,500.00
Description
A fine pair of late 18th/ early 19th century silver and silver gilt filigree candlesticks, probably Dutch. Of restrained neo classical form designed as tall narrow columns rising from a double footed square base to a stylised Corinthian capital.
Filigree work was much in demand during the 17th century with the arrival of works from the newly established trading posts and colonies of the Portuguese and Dutch. The fashion re-ignited European silversmiths to produce works that were modelled on those arriving through the new global trade while using traditional western forms.
One notable collector of filigree was Louis XIV who inherited a large amount from his mother who was a Spanish princess. Spain being a major centre, along with Portugal for western production as well as trade. His collecting mania led to his mocking as the ‘Marquis de filigrane’ by the comte de Guiche.
The fashion continued into the 18th century and increasingly elaborate items were created for the burgeoning aristocracy and merchant class.
In form these examples are typically European and follow the neo-classical model of ancient columns. Rising from a two-tiered pedestal base formed of intricate scrolls of filigree with beaded border to a solid plaque centre. The sticks are formed from solid gilded tubes which are encased in tight swirls of filigree with a double band of twisted wire approximately a third of the way up. This is repeated at the base of the sconce. The sconces are detachable allowing the tubes to be raised out for cleaning.
The capitals on the sconces are of a general Corinthian style, the elements formed from a combination of filigree forming the structure and adorned with twisted silver wire to highlight the tops and form the edges of the decoration.
While generally conforming to the taste for neo-classicism in Europe in the latter part of the 18th century and early part of the 19th, these candlesticks add a delightful twist to a conservative form with delicate and intricate decoration that would have been appreciated by a discerning clientele.
Measurementss
Height: 18.5 cm
Width: 7.7c,
Weight: 254 grams
| item details | |
|---|---|
| Origin | European Other |
Product REF: 10108
