Pair of carved gilt and polychrome painted wood torch holders

air of painted polychrome and carved gilded wood tea light stands. The baluster shaft, composed of three distinct parts, is richly decorated with various carved elements: scrolls, acanthus leaves, gadroons and palmettes. It stands on a tripod console base decorated with acanthus leaves and scrolls.
18th century
The upper part of one of the two doors is later and will be restored.
H. 190 x D. 52 cm

Torch holders were first used in Europe in the 16th century, in churches and cathedrals to illuminate altars by means of huge candles placed on their trays. However, their use became increasingly common in private settings, and it became customary to place them in large halls and salons, where their majestic presence gave the room an air of pomp and ceremony.