48: A PAIR 18TH C. ITALIAN ALTAR STICKS 72-INCHES HIGH

A pair of carved wood candle holders with gesso and gold leaf, the triangular base of approximately 15 inches across supports a three legged base, the support has decoration front side only of shell and scrolls, a carved dog with flaming torch front side of the upper portion of the base, midway up the support a star and three dimensional cherub heads, additional carved decoration of shells, scrolls and hanging bellflowers. Each measures 70.5 x 17 x 14 inches. Provenance: the Post Foundation Art Library. Library records list these as gifts to Mr. and Mrs. Post from father Anthony Howland, a visiting English rector who did missionary work in India.
Fragile, the wood is cracked, considerable gesso and gold leaf loss, complete and all original.
$2,000 - $3,000