French, 14th/15th century. A near pair of Renaissance period carved limestone columns in three parts, each architectural pillar comprising a square base issuing a straight octagonal column surmounted by capital adorned with a band of foliates in relief - one with oak leaf & acorn, the other with grape leaf & fruit - set under a flaring crown with floral detailing in relief at corners, the back of both column and base without decoration. Approximate height 63.5", width 9.5", depth 10". Provenance: Provenance: acquired by the Estate of Dr. Woody Cobbs and Mrs. Honor Cobbs, Atlanta, Georgia from Basso Antiques, New York, in a private sale on May 8, 1968. Note: the handwritten invoice from Basso Antiques notes that these columns were formerly in the collection of William Randolph Hearst (American, 1863-1951), the famed Congressman and newspaper publisher of The San Francisco Examiner and The New York Journal, also serving as the inspiration for the lead character is Orson Welles' film "Citizen Kane".

Columns are later and one with two repairs (see image #4). Scattered areas of chips and losses particularly on corners of top and on the bases commensurate with age and usage. Both columns are drilled with bolts in the center.