Pair of Italian Blackamoor Figures on Stands

Pair of Italian Exuberantly Modeled and Ebonized Hardwood Blackamoor Figures on Stands

19th century, in the manner of Andrea Brustolon (Italian, 1662-1732), each draped figure with mother-of-pearl eyes and teeth, kneeling upon a cluster of foliage and supporting a carved shell, the bases with carved masques at each corner, the mouths issuing floral swags, raised on scrolling acanthine feet.
figure h. 57-1/2", overall h. 80", w. 24-1/2", d. 24-1/2"

Provenance: Estate of John Stockwell Samuels III, Galveston, Texas.
Condition Report: On the pair, there are repairs to the raised arms, sashes, and the shells are lacking two lobes and several others have been repaired. Additional small losses and repairs were found to the leaf bases on which the figures kneel. Repairs are difficult to assess because both examples exhibit numerous shrinkage cracks and separation at joints - some of which have been filled or re-joined, most of which have not. On the pedestal bases, most of the corner masques are lacking parts of their tri-part mouth bit/swag ends; one swag on one side has been repaired, and three of the scrolled acanthine feet have been repaired (one is still loose); and one piece of trim is raised/loose from a previous repair. Both examples exhibit scattered nicks, scratches and losses. Both are structurally sound and in overall good condition - condition is commensurate with age. In the early-to-mid 20th century, the figures were electrified and the shell bowls fitted with sockets. Both sockets and wiring would need to be refitted if used as torcheres.