Large Italian Baroque Solomonic Altar Column With Vine And Grape Carving, C.1650
Stock No
COLUBA
2021
- £6,600.00
- €7,645 Euro
- $8,837 US Dollar
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Item Description
A large and exceptionally carved Baroque Solomonic column dating to the late seventeenth century, or very early eighteenth century - originating from a church altar structure in Northern Italy, circa 1650-1720.
Columns such as this would originally have formed part of a retable — the elaborate architectural framework that rises behind the altar in many Catholic churches. These dramatic structures framed paintings or sculptures of sacred figures, using twisting columns, gilded carving and architectural ornament to create a theatrical focus for the altar.
The column is carved in wood in a powerful spiral wrapped in vines, leaves and clusters of fruit. This imagery carried strong symbolic meaning during the Baroque period. The vine refers to Christ as the “true vine”, while the fruit relates to the Eucharist and the sacramental wine.
The original surface survives beautifully. Traces of water gilding remain across the carving, laid over a deep red bole ground. In Baroque church decoration gold symbolised divine light and heavenly glory, while the red beneath was associated with Christ’s sacrifice and the Passion.
A striking piece of Baroque architectural sculpture.
Later mounted on a turned wooden base.
Item Info
Seller
Seller Location
North Yorkshire, Yorkshire
Item Dimensions
H: 168cm W: 41cm D: 41cm
Period
c.1650-1720
Item Location
United Kingdom
Seller Location
North Yorkshire, Yorkshire
Item Location
United Kingdom
Seller Contact No
+44(0)7771 962494
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