ITALIAN, CIRCA 1500

The shields decorating the base of the candlestick show the arms of the Belengo family of Venice. This candlestick is identical in design to a pair in the Aron Collection (see Allan, loc. cit). Allan argues that, although at first glance the design looks Islamic, there are several reasons why the candlesticks should be European, and most probably Venetian, in origin. For example, the geometric interlace patterns on the base are misunderstood in a way that an Islamic craftsman would not do. Similarly, the design on the drip tray derives from a Mamluk palmette form, but the original delineation of the elements has been lost for a more unified, vase-shaped flower.