Archaeology | Furnishing Elements | Furnishing Elements | Fragment of Candelabrum | Artwork profile

White marble

H. 43 cm; intermediate diam. 15 cm

Beginning of the I century AD


Report

Fragment of Candelabrum

Fragment of a candelabrum, consisting in the lower part wholly carved in relief with a vegetal ornament. One can detect a calyx (h. 22 cm) of elongated leaves, arranged in three superimposed crowns, that have undulating edges and a slightly bent tip; the leaves of the inner crown adhere to the marble surface. From the calyx spring scrolls of ivy leaves and berries that wrap the shaft of the candelabrum with a spiral pattern.

The characteristically heart-shaped leaves have pointed tips, slightly undulating edges and are divided by a concavity that endows the vegetal element with softness and volume; the bunches are made of six rounded berries, five of which are placed around a central one.

Considering the period in which such vegetal ornament is attested, the kind of carving as well as the shape of the leaves with vibrant surfaces it is possible to date this artefact to the beginning of the I century AD.