Pair of Moor Torchère Figures in Lacquered and Gilt Wood, Sicily19th Cent

This pair of carved and gilded wooden sculptures in the form of Moor torchère figures was made in Sicily in the first half of the 19th century.
Standing on a carved and lacquered wooden base designed to resemble a rocky outcrop, the two Moors are similar and vaguely symmetrical, each holding a cornucopia-shaped candleholder with one arm. The figures wear sandals and armor with a skirt that appears to move, thanks to the slightly bent positioning of the legs.
One figure supports the cornucopia with the right hand at its base and raises it with the left hand, looking straight ahead while slightly turning the head to the left. The other figure lets the left arm fall gently along the body and raises the candleholder with the right hand, gazing upwards.
The figures’ bodies, including eyes and lips, as well as the sculpted rocks, are lacquered, while some parts — such as sandals, skirts, sleeve cuffs, and cornucopias — are mecca silvered to simulate gold. The torso armor is gilded, engraved, and decorated with raised red lacquer elements imitating coral inlay.
Mecca gilding is a technique involving silver leaf covered with a translucent varnish to simulate the richness of gold leaf. The varnish, known as "mecca," follows a traditional recipe closely guarded in old workshops. It includes sandarac gum and gutta gum dissolved in alcohol, dragon’s blood resin, and other ingredients that together create the various chromatic nuances.
This pair of sculptures is highly decorative and of notable artistic quality. They can be displayed side by side, spaced with other furnishings, or presented individually, even as central elements in a room. They work well in entryways, corridors, living rooms, studies, or bedrooms, and can be paired with both antique and modern furniture. Their size makes them suitable for placement on the floor or slightly elevated, such as on stair landings.
It is also possible to electrify and add lampshades to convert them into floor lamps.
A conservative restoration will be carried out shortly.