Pair of 17th Century Spanish Giltwood Altarpiece Elements

In the quiet, candlelit grandeur of a late 17th-century Spanish chapel, these giltwood elements once stood as silent sentinels of the Divine. To run one’s hand over the hand-burnished gold leaf is to touch the fervor of the Counter-Reformation—a period where art was designed to transcend the earthly and evoke the eternal.

Curated by Le Historique, this pair of architectural fragments represents the pinnacle of Spanish Baroque craftsmanship. Each element is anchored by a formidable lion’s paw—a symbol of strength and sovereignty—rising into beaded scrolling volutes that capture the fluid energy of the era. The crowns are adorned with delicate floral capitals, offering a soft, organic counterpoint to the structured power of the plinths.

For the modern collector or interior designer, these may serve as sculptural echoes of a lost world. Whether flanking a grand entryway, grounding a curated mantelpiece, or mounted within a minimalist niche, they bring a "record of duration" to a room. Their presence provides an immediate sense of lineage, transforming a contemporary space into a storied interior that rejects the ephemeral in favor of the eternal.

Specifications:

Origin: Spain

Period: Late 17th Century to Early 18th Century (circa 1700)

Style: Spanish Baroque / Churrigueresque influences

Material: Hand-carved wood with original water-gilded gold leaf

Dimensions: Approximately 22.5" H x 2.75" W x 5.1" D (57 x 7 x 13 cm)

Condition: Antique condition; minor chips and age-appropriate wear to the gilding, preserving a deep, authentic patina.

Delivery: Complimentary domestic shipping included in price. Contact us for a quote on international shipping.

Historian’s Note:

During the late 17th century, Spanish retablos (altarpieces) became monumental "theaters of faith." These specific elements likely belonged to the lateral pilasters of a private chapel altarpiece. The use of the lion’s paw plinth is a direct nod to the classical "monopodium" used in antiquity, reinterpreted through the lens of Spanish religious opulence. In an era where Spain was the global center of Catholic art, such pieces were commissioned to display both spiritual devotion and the immense wealth of the patron. To own them today is to preserve a fragment of the "Golden Age" of Spanish carving.