CIRCA 1880

Carved and decorated blackamoor figures first appeared in Venice in the 17th century and were particularly associated with the great entrance halls of the Venetian palazzi where they supported candelabra or vases. As with much Italian baroque furniture they were as much the product of the sculptor's art as that of the furniture maker. The work of Domenico and Francesco Stainhart, often life-size, was the inspiration for many examples in the 1670s, but perhaps the most famous exponent was Andrea Brustolon, working in Venice from 1684. Once established, the vogue for these exotic and decorative figures has never diminished, but imposing life-size, well carved examples have always been at a premium.