The spiral shafts of these three-quarter columns (it is not a completed column) are festooned by a twisting grapevine of giltwood and polychrome colors. Dating to the 1600s, these are phenomenal Italian renderings of the famed Solomonic columns, which have been integrated into architecture, furniture, and art since the 2nd century. Bernini crafted four enormous Solomonic columns for his St. Peter’s Baldachin (completed 1634), which led to revitalized interest across Europe.

Presented on a square black and red plinth with several layers of ogee molding, the coloring of the columns is quite impressive. The ground consists of gilded wood, with the master-level carvings of the thick grapevines meandering around the helical columns. Dark purple and red grape clusters dot the imagery, with more frequent appearances of green leaves and brown vines, both accented with a touch of gold. Topped by a caulicole capital of the Corinthian order, the curled leaves are rendered in red, green, and gold. Our pair of grape leaf columns can be presented as decorative accessories for a table, mantel, or console. They could also be repurposed into a striking pair of table lamps.

CONDITION: Strong antique condition with commensurate chips and losses. Evidence of previous touchups and old woodworm damage.