Hi Iris,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The Blackamoor figure in Venetian decorative arts is part of a long European tradition of stylized depictions of Black Africans in exoticized, often servant-like or ornamental roles. In Venice specifically, its popularity is closely tied to the city’s history as a wealthy maritime republic deeply embedded in global trade networks.

This is a 19th or early 20th Century Venetian Blackamoor figure of a gondolier holding a paddle and candle holder. It's made of painted and parcel gilt carved wood and was probably originally made as a decorative stand or candlestick, known in the period as "torchieres"; it may have originally been part of a pair.

Other similar Blackamoor gondolier figures that have come to auction have brought prices ranging from $600-$1,200.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Venetian blackamoor gondolier figure
Italian, late 19th or early 20th Century
polychromed (painted) and parcel gilt and carved wood
44 inches overall height
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition; some cracking and flaking and losses to the paint, or splitting to the wood would be commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$600-1,200*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia