These exceptional antique Italian silver candle holders have a square form.
The cylindrical capital of each silver candlestick is encircled with chased decorated leaf textures, continuing to an embossed decorated shaped leaf drip pan.
The exceptional cast silver column of each candlestick has been modelled in the form of Hermes*, holding in one hand the aforementioned capital and the other a snake decorated staff.
These impressive figural columns surmount circular waisted bases, embellished with fluted decoration below a band of rope twist ornamentation.
The plain square base of each candlestick is plain and unembellished; these candlesticks do not have weighted bases.
Such Italian examples are becoming increasingly difficult to locate.
* Hermes was the messenger of the Olympians, and the go of heralds, messengers and travellers. He is typically represented by a beardless youth wearing a cap and winged sandals, and often depicted carrying a snake-entwined staff known as the caduceus.
Maker: Unknown
Date: Circa 1750
