M. Markley Antiques

Decor - Item 3315
Candelabra or Plant Stand

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Item 3315	Louis XIV Candelabra or Plant Stand
Dimensions	Width 14 at base, 10 at top; height 43 (in inches)
Wood	Gilt-wood
Country	France
Date	Circa 1870
Price	$1,195
Description	This candelabra or plant stand is a bit outside our usual focus of Gothic and Renaissance Revival, being more in the Louis XIV mode.  But its classic symmetry, exquisite carving and lovely patina caught our eye, and so here it is. From a design originally used in Italy to keep candelabra stable in order to minimize conflagrations when they toppled over, this stand has a triangular pedestal as a base.  Continuing the theme, the central column is also triangular in shape below a circular top.  Since candelabra were commonly used in churches, this triangular design with a round top reflected the notion of the Trinity or God the Three in One. The acanthus leaf predominates as the chief design element used in this piece, taking various forms including scrolled leaves forming the base, a bud out of which the central column rises, and a highly stylized treatment as the horn-shaped support for the top, circular platform. Balancing top and bottom are circular bands with oval-shaped patterns articulating the top of the base and the bottom of the platform portion on which the candle would have rested. This stand is gold-leafed but with a finish that has aged and resulted in a pleasing patina  with nicks here and there exposing the gesso underneath.
Reference	Antiquités et Objets D'Art 10, Le Mobilier Italien (Editions Fabri, Paris, 1990); Quette, Anne-Marie, Le Mobilier Français Louis XIII et Louis XIV (Editions Massin, Paris, 1996); Rousseau, Francis, Le Grand Livre des Meubles (Copyright Studio, Paris, 1999).
Uses	This graceful stand is ideal for holding anything from a plant to ceramics but remains attractive for a large candle.