PAIR OF 19TH CENTURY SOLID OAKWALL CONSOLES WITH CHERUBS

A pair of solid oak consoles depicting half-terrestrial, half-acquatic cherubs with bent, fishtail-shaped legs, supporting on their backs a shell forming the base of the console. Another identical pair also exists. This pair of brackets is wall-mounted and used to support candlesticks or other decorative elements. Lovers are frequently depicted in both decorative arts and painting. They are depicted as children, often winged. They have a number of meanings, the main one being the evocation of desire, particularly amorous desire. According to Philostratus the Elder in Imagines, I, 6, loves are the children of the nymphs who govern the human race. Many they are, for many are the things that men desire here below. This text was known as early as the Renaissance and inspired many artists. Late 19th century, Circa: 1880 Dim: W:32cm, D:30cm, H:30cm.