Large Antique Carved Wooden Candlestick, 17th Century Period, Claw Base, H 156 Cm

The large antique carved wooden candle holder, dating from the 17th century, is a remarkable piece of art and religious furniture, which embodies both the elegance and tradition of the Baroque era. It is an object which, over the centuries, has seen its use evolve while retaining its spiritual and aesthetic essence. The main function of the candle holder was to carry large candles in churches or chapels, where light played a fundamental role in the liturgy and religious rituals. This type of object was commonly used in religious buildings to illuminate altars or to serve as a visual landmark, often in association with solemn ceremonies.
This particular candle holder is a monumental piece, with an overall height of 156cm, making it immediately imposing in any space. It is made of wood, a common material at that time, appreciated for its workability and availability. This wood was finely carved, testifying to the exceptional know-how of the artisans of the time. Woodworking in the 17th century was often influenced by Baroque trends, marked by complex shapes and exuberant decorative details. The fact that this candlestick is made of carved wood shows not only the mastery of the craftsman, but also the importance of this type of object in the liturgy and in the ornamentation of places of worship.
The tripod base, or three-legged base, gives this candle holder structural stability while providing aesthetic balance. This tripod structure was often favored for large objects, as it effectively supported the weight while minimizing the risk of tipping. The base is a decorative element in its own right, and in this specific case, it is decorated with claw-shaped feet, a decorative motif that echoes symbols of strength and protection. This type of decorative detail was typical of the 17th century, where symbolic and mythological influences were frequently used to add a deeper dimension to objects, particularly in religious settings.
Under these claw feet is a ball, an element which further reinforces the decorative and symbolic dimension of the object. The ball could be interpreted as a symbol of the world or of divine perfection, a motif often used in sacred art. Claw-on-ball feet are a style that is also found in other pieces of furniture from this period, notably in the legs of tables, chairs, or chests, always with the aim of evoking solidity and grandeur.
It is important to note that this candlestick was formerly mounted as a lamp, which indicates that it was reused over the years for domestic use, outside of its initial context as a place of worship. It is not uncommon for ancient liturgical objects, after having lost their primary function, to be transformed to adapt to new uses while retaining their historical and artistic value. This transformation into a lamp demonstrates an evolution in the way in which religious objects are perceived and used, moving from simple objects of worship to elements of refined decoration.
Despite this modification, the object remains in relatively good condition, which is notable given its age. Wooden objects from this period can be subject to various types of deterioration, including cracks, attacks by wood-eating insects, or alterations due to climatic variations. However, the fact that it has survived several centuries with satisfactory preservation indicates that it was probably well maintained and that it has passed through the ages with care. Any alterations that may be present do not alter its beauty and authenticity, on the contrary, they can add to the charm of an object which bears traces of its history.

In summary, this large antique carved wooden candle holder from the 17th century is much more than a simple candle holder. It embodies the excellence of the craftsmanship of an era, with details such as its claw feet, its ornamental ball, and its tripod structure. Although it has been transformed for more modern use, it retains much of its original integrity and charm, continuing to tell its story through time.

This item is available for sale in my store at 57 rue Victor Hugo, 76000 Rouen

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