The Florentine Sovereign: 19th-Century Hand-Carved Giltwood Chandelier

Close your eyes and imagine the soft, golden hour of an 1880s Italian villa, where the scent of jasmine drifts through open loggias and the light of a setting sun catches the shimmer of gold leaf. This is the world from which this 19th-century giltwood chandelier emerged. It was designed not merely to illuminate a room, but to transform it into a theater of light and shadow.

At the heart of this chandelier lies a meticulously carved urn-shaped vase, finished with sophisticated painted accents that whisper of Neoclassical influence. Six ridged, foliated arms radiate with organic grace, each one a testament to the artisan's hand. Crowning the fixture is a majestic urn-form finial, flanked by scrolling volutes and cascading acanthus leaves—the universal symbol of enduring life and victory.

Measuring 32 inches in height, this chandelier commands attention without overwhelming a space. It is a rare confluence of Italian Baroque drama and the refined elegance of the late 19th century. For the designer or collector who views a room as a curated autobiography, this piece offers the ultimate period anchor—a bridge to an era when every object was a work of high art.

At Le Historique, we believe that an interior should be as layered and storied as the lives lived within it. We specialize in sourcing "living" antiques—pieces like this Italian chandelier that possess a soul and a distinct cultural lineage. Every item in our collection is hand-selected for its preservation of detail, its historical integrity, and its ability to lend an air of timeless European provenance to the modern home.

Specifications:

Origin: Italy

Period: Late 19th Century (c. 1880s)

Material: Hand-Carved Wood with Gold Gilt

Dimensions: 32" H x 29" W x 29" D

Condition: Excellent antique condition. Professionally rewired for modern US standards (110-150v). Features original hand-carved details and authentic aged patina.

Delivery: Shipping is not included in our pricing on this item.  Please contact us to discuss shipping options.

Historian’s Note:

The Cultural Significance of Giltwood Artistry

In the 19th century, giltwood remained the ultimate visual shorthand for opulence. Unlike metallic paint, the process of water-gilding involved layering thin sheets of 22-carat gold over a prepared gesso and clay base (called 'bole'). This created a luminous, reflective depth that "glowed" under candlelight—a quality highly prized by the Italian aristocracy to display their wealth and cultural refinement.

The use of the urn and acanthus leaf in this specific design reflects the 19th-century obsession with the Classical Revival. By incorporating motifs from Ancient Rome and Greece, Italian workshops sought to connect the burgeoning modern world with the perceived "Golden Age" of antiquity. To own such a piece was to signal one's membership in the global cultural elite. Today, this chandelier stands as a rare survivor of that artisan tradition, representing a period where craftsmanship was considered a divine pursuit.