19th Century Brass Dragon / Grotesque Figural Candlestick
19th Century Brass Dragon / Grotesque Figural Candlestick
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A wonderfully theatrical 19th-century brass figural candlestick, modeled as a fantastical dragon or grotesque beast supporting an elaborately decorated candle cup.
The creature is cast in a dynamic, almost heraldic pose with an elongated arched neck, pointed ears, pronounced snout, ridged mane, powerful legs, and a dramatically curled tail. Its body is naturalistically modeled with muscular haunches, clawed feet, and scrolling fur or flame-like details around the joints and underside.
Rising directly from the creature’s neck is an ornate candle socket, decorated in relief with stylized floral and foliate motifs and finished with a scalloped or gadrooned upper rim. The combination of the whimsical beast and architectural candle cup gives the piece a strong Renaissance Revival / Gothic Revival character.
The socket currently retains remnants of an old ivory-colored candle with substantial wax drippings around the rim, adding to the wonderfully aged appearance.
A highly decorative object with excellent sculptural presence, equally appealing as a functional candlestick or as a standalone cabinet piece.
Era
Date: Circa 1870–1900
Period: Late 19th century, Renaissance Revival / Gothic Revival
Origin: Continental Europe, likely French or Italian
History
During the second half of the 19th century, European decorative arts drew heavily from earlier historical styles, particularly the Renaissance, Gothic period, and medieval decorative vocabulary.
Fantastical creatures such as:
- Dragons
- Griffins
- Grotesques
- Chimeras
- Heraldic beasts
were especially popular in metalwork, furniture mounts, candlesticks, and architectural objects.
This candlestick fits squarely within that historicist tradition, combining a mythical zoomorphic base with an ornate floral candle socket. Objects of this type were intended to be both practical and visually theatrical, often appearing in richly layered interiors alongside carved furniture, tapestries, bronzes, and ecclesiastically inspired decoration.
The creature itself appears to be a generalized dragon or grotesque beast rather than a strict heraldic griffin, as it lacks clearly defined wings and instead emphasizes the elongated reptilian neck, mane, and curled tail.
Materials
- Brass
- Cast metal construction
- Remnants of old candle wax
Dimensions
Dimensions: To be added
Condition
Good antique condition with wear consistent with age and use.
- Brass retains a rich, warm aged patina.
- Scattered oxidation, darkening, rubbing, and surface wear throughout.
- Raised details show attractive highlights from handling and age.
- Old candle wax remains around the socket and on portions of the figure.
- Minor casting irregularities and surface variation consistent with age and manufacture.
- Some localized discoloration and residue visible throughout.
- Feet and legs appear structurally stable from the photographs.
- No major breaks apparent.
- Candle socket retains strong decorative detail.
The piece has intentionally not been aggressively polished, preserving its antique surface and character.
Disclaimers
All antique and vintage items are sold in as-found condition and may exhibit wear, patina, repairs, losses, alterations, wax residue, or other evidence of age and use.
Dating, country of origin, material, and stylistic attribution are based upon visual examination and construction unless otherwise documented.
The mythical creature is described as a dragon or grotesque beast based upon its visual characteristics; exact iconographic identification cannot be guaranteed.
Please review all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.
A wonderfully theatrical 19th-century brass figural candlestick, modeled as a fantastical dragon or grotesque beast supporting an elaborately decorated candle cup.
The creature is cast in a dynamic, almost heraldic pose with an elongated arched neck, pointed ears, pronounced snout, ridged mane, powerful legs, and a dramatically curled tail. Its body is naturalistically modeled with muscular haunches, clawed feet, and scrolling fur or flame-like details around the joints and underside.
Rising directly from the creature’s neck is an ornate candle socket, decorated in relief with stylized floral and foliate motifs and finished with a scalloped or gadrooned upper rim. The combination of the whimsical beast and architectural candle cup gives the piece a strong Renaissance Revival / Gothic Revival character.
The socket currently retains remnants of an old ivory-colored candle with substantial wax drippings around the rim, adding to the wonderfully aged appearance.
A highly decorative object with excellent sculptural presence, equally appealing as a functional candlestick or as a standalone cabinet piece.
Era
Date: Circa 1870–1900
Period: Late 19th century, Renaissance Revival / Gothic Revival
Origin: Continental Europe, likely French or Italian
History
During the second half of the 19th century, European decorative arts drew heavily from earlier historical styles, particularly the Renaissance, Gothic period, and medieval decorative vocabulary.
Fantastical creatures such as:
- Dragons
- Griffins
- Grotesques
- Chimeras
- Heraldic beasts
were especially popular in metalwork, furniture mounts, candlesticks, and architectural objects.
This candlestick fits squarely within that historicist tradition, combining a mythical zoomorphic base with an ornate floral candle socket. Objects of this type were intended to be both practical and visually theatrical, often appearing in richly layered interiors alongside carved furniture, tapestries, bronzes, and ecclesiastically inspired decoration.
The creature itself appears to be a generalized dragon or grotesque beast rather than a strict heraldic griffin, as it lacks clearly defined wings and instead emphasizes the elongated reptilian neck, mane, and curled tail.
Materials
- Brass
- Cast metal construction
- Remnants of old candle wax
Dimensions
Dimensions: To be added
Condition
Good antique condition with wear consistent with age and use.
- Brass retains a rich, warm aged patina.
- Scattered oxidation, darkening, rubbing, and surface wear throughout.
- Raised details show attractive highlights from handling and age.
- Old candle wax remains around the socket and on portions of the figure.
- Minor casting irregularities and surface variation consistent with age and manufacture.
- Some localized discoloration and residue visible throughout.
- Feet and legs appear structurally stable from the photographs.
- No major breaks apparent.
- Candle socket retains strong decorative detail.
The piece has intentionally not been aggressively polished, preserving its antique surface and character.
Disclaimers
All antique and vintage items are sold in as-found condition and may exhibit wear, patina, repairs, losses, alterations, wax residue, or other evidence of age and use.
Dating, country of origin, material, and stylistic attribution are based upon visual examination and construction unless otherwise documented.
The mythical creature is described as a dragon or grotesque beast based upon its visual characteristics; exact iconographic identification cannot be guaranteed.
Please review all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.