Candlestick with Volubilis, Roots, and Fawn's Feet with a Serpent about the Stem

Antoine-Louis Barye

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is a tall, slender candlestick featuring a decorative theme. The main subject of the sculpture is a vertical pole adorned with a snake coiling around it. The snake is intricately detailed, and its body wraps around the pole. At the top of the sculpture is a cup-like holder designed to hold a candle. The base of the sculpture resembles a leafy plant or animal paw, providing a sturdy foundation. The sculpture is crafted from a material that appears to be a copper alloy, giving it an aged, green patina with visible oxidation. Overall, the sculpture stands upright, commanding attention with its height and the intricate, nature-inspired details.