An exceptional and highly decorative pair of 19th-century Italian ecclesiastical altar urns, retaining their original monumental arrangements of wheat, grapes and vine leaves.

Each carved wood urn is richly modeled in the classical manner with a square plinth, molded and gadrooned foot, lobed lower body, floral and foliate garlands, beaded borders and tall scrolling acanthus handles. The surfaces retain beautifully aged silvered and gilt finishes over traditional gesso, now mellowed through time to a wonderfully atmospheric patina.

Rising from each urn is a removable Eucharistic arrangement composed of individually fashioned and gilded ears of wheat, pendant grape clusters and vine leaves supported on slender metal stems. The imagery of wheat and grapes represents the bread and wine of the Eucharist, strongly indicating their original use as Catholic altar decorations.

The reverse construction remains largely untouched and reveals the hand-carved wooden cores, old iron nails and pins, metal straps and sockets used to secure the elaborate upper arrangements. Their comparatively plain backs further indicate that the pair was intended to be viewed frontally, most likely positioned symmetrically upon or alongside an altar.

Italian, 19th century, probably circa 1850-1880.

Approximately 46 inches high overall. Urn bodies approximately 24 inches high.


Condition:
Alterations: Unknown
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: The pair retains a particularly compelling old surface with rubbing, oxidation, craquelure, losses and darkening to the original silvering and gilding.

Condition: Good antique ecclesiastical condition with considerable expected wear commensurate with age and use. Age cracks and scattered losses to gesso, silvering and gilding; old repairs and reinforcements; oxidation to metal components; some bent or irregular wire stems and scattered losses to the applied foliage and wheat. Differences between the two arrangements are visible. The aged, unrestored surface has intentionally been retained.

Origin:
Italy

Materials & Techniques:
Giltwood, Gold Leaf, Sculpting, Silver Leaf

Details:
Country of Origin: Italy
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used

Unknown; Some Imperfections; The pair retains a particularly compelling old surface with rubbing, oxidation, craquelure, losses and darkening to the original silvering and gilding.

Condition: Good antique ecclesiastical condition with considerable expected wear commensurate with age and use. Age cracks and scattered losses to gesso, silvering and gilding; old repairs and reinforcements; oxidation to metal components; some bent or irregular wire stems and scattered losses to the applied foliage and wheat. Differences between the two arrangements are visible. The aged, unrestored surface has intentionally been retained.