Pair of 16th Century Carved Wooden Terms or Beam Supports from Northern Europe

A fascinating bit of history, this pair of carved wooden terms dates to the High Renaissance during the 1500s. A term is a beam support in the form of a human head where the bust continues down as a pillar. Hand-carved in Northern Europe, the distinct figures have traces of an old teal finish, adding to the character. Both men have floral swag draped across their scalloped curled leaf bodies, emanating from the center of their volute shoulders. Similarly, their feet are whorled, terminating above the more contemporary stands that they have been mounted to by a black rod that runs up the verso side. The stands are brown, with some traces of oxidation, while the beveled edges were left in their natural color. Our fabulous pair of Renaissance beam supports, which can be displayed as is or hung on a wall, will surely be a topic of conversation.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Commensurate losses caused by old woodworm. Traces of a very old teal painted finish. The iron stands were added more recently, allowing the supports to be displayed as sculptural art, but they are also rigged for hanging.

H - 41 1/4 and 41 3/4, W - 9 3/4, D - 12 1/2 and 13 3/4