These pair of unusual and large late 19th century Renaissance style wall brackets from Florence, Italy have a unique sculptural quality hand carved and hand painted to perfection with gorgeous shape and an intricate design.

Anyone who has ever been to Florence will remember the wonderful sculptures in the most important squares and noble palaces of the city and also the hand carved, historical decorations on some of the antique doors and in churches. The lion is a very important and widespread symbol of protection for Florence. Adopted by the Medici family, as a symbol of power, it has been repeatedly represented both at Palazzo Pitti and in the Boboli gardens.    The most famous guardian lion of the city is undoubtedly the Marzocco Lion made by Donatello which holds the lily, symbol of Florence, between its paws.

Each hanging shelf features fine hand carved nature motifs which includes lion heads, garlands, fruit and scrolled foliage patterns. A lion holds a pink cloth on its open mouth that descends on the shelf surrounded by yellow and green buds, blossoms, fruits and leaves decorations all on a glossy black painted background. The lion-like face is extraordinary and impressively realistic as all the other naturalistic elements are.

The intricacies of the hand-sculpted detailing throughout are amazing to behold, and the original lacquered finish with a glazed ceramic effect has achieved a lovely patina and crackled over the past centuries. These polychrome painted corbels have deep all-over carvings and inlays with beautiful details in the carved accents covering every inch of the decorative wall-mounted consoles. Hang these traditional statement pieces near a doorway or mantel (fireplace) for added architectural detail.

These wooden shelves could be placed in an entryway, living room or study, are large and sturdy enough to display decorative vases, picture frames or sculptures, a round frame on top gives stability even to the most precious objects you want to exhibit. Bracket is the ideal method to display a particularly cherished heirloom or any objet d'art and these are a real eclectic eye-catching piece. Italian, Renaissance revival, hand carved antiques of this quality, beauty and condition are a rare find and when the quality is this good it can be enjoyed in all kinds of interiors.

Measures: Height 51cm, width 30 cm, depth 23 cm.

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