**First Time At Auction**

Northern Europe, Flemish or English, Baroque period, ca. 17th century CE. A fine pair of oak wood caryatids, each meticulously hand-carved to depict the bust of a man and a woman with an Ionic capital above and an architectural pilaster below. Both figures stand with arms crossed at chest, draped in a long-sleeve tunic or dress with a prominent collar. Luscious Botticelli curls frame the angelic face of the female, whose idyllic visage presents generously-lidded eyes, full cheeks, and bowed lips. She is contrasted by the aged face of her partner who possesses a heavy brow, sunken eyes, prominent cheek bones, and thin lips enveloped by a full moustache and forked beard. The pilasters are adorned with lion's heads and gatherings of foliage and fruits, perhaps part of a coat of arms and serving to symbolize bravery and prosperity. Size (both the same): 5" W x 26.25" H (12.7 cm x 66.7 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Alison Barker collection, United Kingdom

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#177273

Both have some minor nicks and abrasions with some chipping to wood on verso but are otherwise in overall excellent condition with impressive preservation of detail and nice patina. Both fit with suspension loops on verso for display.