A pair of gilt wrought iron torch holders

An important and uncommon pair of gilt and very finely wrought iron torch holders. Decorated with vegetal patterns, on each side of the tripod base is a putti bust and a symbol such as a garland, a heart, the initials M. A, all surrounded by sun rays.
The first symbol is the Christ's crown of thorns containing nails that were used at the Crucifixion. After the condemnation of Jesus by Pilate, the Roman soldiers crested Jesus of a crown of thorns. It is likely that the soldiers did not use the crown as an instrument of torture but rather as a caricature of the royal power and as a sign of the Christ humiliation.
The second symbol is a heart crossed by a dagger which correspond at an episode from the Gospel of St. John, when Jesus died on the cross. Jesus was the first of three crucified to die, therefore his legs were not broken to cause death. One soldier, however, struck a spear to the side to check if he was really dead, it is this moment which inspired the adoration of the Sacred Heart.
Finally the third symbol is the initials ma in a crown of flowers.
The elements of decor evoke the Passion of Christ and clearly identify these flares as objects participating in Christian worship.

Bibliography:Les torchères, in Connaissance des arts, 1954, n° 27, p 40

F. Michel, Paire de torchères Louis XIV à plateau en scagliola, in l'Estampille, 1980, n°125, p 61.