A Large Carved Walnut Solomonic Column

Spanish, late 17th / early 18th century

The spiralling form carved with scrolling acanthus and vines with a Corinthian capital. Later varnished surface; originally gilded and polychrome painted.

Dimensions - 76cm high x 140cm wide x 65cm deep

Named ‘Solomonic’ after the ancient set of columns installed in St. Peter’s Basilica by Constantine the Great in the 4th century; which according to tradition had been removed from the ‘Temple of Solomon.’ The greatest ‘Solomonic’ columns are the colossal bronze versions conceived by Bernini in St. Peter’s finished in 1633.