A pair of Italian polychrome lacquered blackamoor figures each before a truncated palm tree. One in the form of a female figure in a tunic and feathered skirt with a scarf and holding fruit in her hand while standing astride a rockwork base. The other is a similarly attired male figure.

Venetian, 18th/19th century

Exceptionally well-preserved polychromy.

These blackamoors were formerly used as the base for a side table with a glass top. However, they stand out better as independent sculptures.

A variant of this pair of blackamoors is known with identical figures but with elaborated palm trees serving as base for the table top. (Sothebys sale L13302 London Lot 119 – December 03, 2013)

Provenance: auction Beaux-Arts Sablon Brussels December 03/04, 2003 (Lot 1071 – hammer price 4000€ + 19% costs)

Each 57 cm High – 37 cm Wide – 40 cm Deep