Another "wall item" made of brass

Jeff Drum's recent thread (https://www.antiquers.com/threads/brass-face-who-is-this.24829/) - and other recent postings concerning the symbolism of carvings and the like - got me thinking about an odd item I bought years ago, just because I found it curiously charming.

This is a wall-hung brass plaque with 2 spikes to hold candles. It measures 12" tall x 9" wide. I've messed with the lighting a little, trying to make the detail show:



The top seems to be a stylized version of the coat of arms of the City of Danzig:

(Danzig coat of arms)

The bottom looks to me like one of the devils in the Prie Dieu thread.

The metal is quite thin, and the back has an attached hanger:



I would love to hear any ideas or input about this piece.

Thanks!
-C-

 

A charming piece, as you say, but I hope those candelabra attachments are not too painful. The face could be demonic, but it also has a north wind look, with those scrolls streaming from his mouth.

 

Here's a shot of the "demon north wind" - he does seem to have horns, and he's sticking out his tongue:

 

I was googling north wind faces, and there seem to be a lot of cross-over types. North wind-Green Man-demon. I think many artists and craftspeople just let their imagination run wild.
Even found this one, which I really like with those wings. A North Wind-Green Man, and both demonic and angelic?

 

AJ, those spikes are LETHAL! The candles shown are 1 1/2" in diameter. I'd prefer the look of a slightly narrower candle, but every other type I tried split as it encountered the spike - even rolled beeswax!

 

Yes, indeed! I was actually thinking the same about the creature on mine - he almost looks like he's smiling, yet he does have those horns...

 

Yes, they are pretty impressive. I suppose that polished centre is to reflect the candlelight, just like on antique wall sconces. All in all a wonderfully quirky piece, I can see why you bought it.

 

... and you're right: that's exactly why I bought it!

Thanks for your input!

-C-

 

Use a hand drill of the right size on the candle base and you can use any candles you want. Good for the drill bit too since it will leave some wax lubrication on it.

 

Jeff, thanks for the tip - I may just give that a try!

 

The wings add another figure to the mix. I showed an ancient depiction of her in the prie dieu thread. Here's how she came to be shown later on:

 

That is a "not now, I'm not in the mood" face.

 

With the horns, a Christmas enthusiast could contemplate Krampus, especially with the tongue out.

 

I can see why she would have a headache!