A candlestick depicting a Harpy. Northern Europe, 12th-13th century. Bronze with a transparent gold patina over traces of black patina.

17.5 x 11 x 6.5 cm

This incredible candelabra depicts an armed warrior with the body of a bird and the tail of a mermaid. A sort of harpy with a fin.

This type of object came into use between the 12th and 13th centuries. Monsters of all kinds began to animate objects of common or liturgical use (see ewers).

Our candlestick can be stylistically compared with the one in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (Medieval and Renaissance, room 8, accession number M.50-1955), which indeed represents a half-man, half-bird creature with a fish's tail.

The card says Lorraine origin, 12th century.

Obviously, it's very difficult to guarantee this production period for our candlestick here, in the absence of scientific tests, which are now indispensable for dating artifacts of this age and rarity. A stylistic approach, however competent, in our opinion, is insufficient.

The style and patina of our bronze are apparently flawless, and for this reason we offer it to potential collectors able to develop its attribution.

Items of this kind rarely appear on the market and, if they are truly vintage, they fetch very interesting prices.

For the brave...