Name: 18th C. Oak Lectern, Depicting an Eagle with Outstretched Wings (Italian)
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1219655
Price: 1180 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by White Space Antiques

Description

18th Century. Wood Carved, Oak Lectern, Depicting an Eagle with Outstretched Wings (Italian).

Eagle lecterns are often found in Christian churches where the Bible or other texts rest on the eagle''s outstretched wings. The eagle symbolises the Gospel, as it was believed to be the only bird that could fly into the sun and was thus seen as carrying the word of God to all corners of the world.

CONDITION:

Wear commensurate with age. Slight aged cracking to rear of wings (see photos).

WEBSITE:

For more information or more detailed images, please visit our website:

https://www.WhiteSpaceAntiques.com

Physical Dimensions

Height

56cm (22.05")

Width

75cm (29.53")

Declaration

White Space Antiques has dated this Carved Oak Eagle Lectern to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1219655

Description

18th Century. Wood Carved, Oak Lectern, Depicting an Eagle with Outstretched Wings (Italian).

“

Eagle lecterns are often found in Christian churches where the Bible or other texts rest on the eagle''s outstretched wings.

White Space Antiques

The eagle symbolises the Gospel, as it was believed to be the only bird that could fly into the sun and was thus seen as carrying the word of God to all corners of the world.

fig 1. An eighteenth-century carved oak lectern depicting an eagle with outstretched wings and a small gilded oval medallion on its chest. — fig 1. 18th C. Oak Lectern, Depicting an Eagle with Outstretched Wings (Italian)

CONDITION:

Wear commensurate with age. Slight aged cracking to rear of wings (see photos).

WEBSITE:

For more information or more detailed images, please visit our website:

https://www.WhiteSpaceAntiques.com

Physical Dimensions

Height

56cm (22.05")

Width

75cm (29.53")

Date of Manufacture

White Space Antiques has dated this Carved Oak Eagle Lectern to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1219655

About the Dealer

White Space Antiques

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An eighteenth-century carved oak lectern depicting an eagle with outstretched wings and a small gilded oval medallion on its chest.

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18th C. Oak Lectern, Depicting an Eagle with Outstretched Wings (Italian)

Archive II

An eighteenth-century carved oak lectern depicting an eagle with outstretched wings and a small gilded oval medallion on its chest. View II

Archive III

An eighteenth-century carved oak lectern depicting an eagle with outstretched wings and a small gilded oval medallion on its chest. View III

White Space Antiques

Telephone 07760 835542

Location

Westbury
Wiltshire
United Kingdom

By appointment only.

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/whitespace

Verified Since Feb 2026

Items For Sale 74

Items Sold 4

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18th C. Oak Lectern, Depicting An Eagle With Outstretched Wings (Italian)

Ref: SA1219655

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectLecterns
Period18th century
StyleBaroque
MaterialOak, Gilt
ColourDark Brown
MotifsOutstretched wings, Carved feather detail, Clawed talons base, Gilt chest medallion
SizeH 56 cm (22 in) x W 75 cm (30 in)

This eighteenth-century Italian Baroque lectern takes the form of a carved oak eagle with outstretched wings and a dark brown timber colour. A gilt chest medallion adorns the front, complementing the detailed carving of feathers across the wings, body and head, along with clawed talons resting on a solid base. Visible features include distinct wood grain textures, natural surface variations, and aged cracking on the rear wings. The piece measures 56 cm high and 75 cm wide. Traditionally used in Christian churches to support sacred texts upon its expansive wings, this decorative item serves well today placed on a gentleman's library table or sideboard top to display a favourite book.

FAQs

Eagle lecterns originated in the medieval period and remained popular through the eighteenth century, symbolizing the Saint John the Evangelist whose gospel is traditionally associated with an soaring eagle.

Eighteenth-century Italian lecterns were primarily hand-carved from solid hardwoods such as oak, walnut, or chestnut, often featuring gilded highlights or polychrome paint finishes.

Authentic period carvings exhibit hand-chisel marks, uneven timber shrinkage, traditional joinery techniques, natural surface patination, and historic flight holes from wood-boring insects.

A carved lectern functions as a sculptural accent on a sideboard, a desktop reading stand in a library, or an focal decorative display piece on a wide mantelpiece.

Dust regularly with a soft dry brush, apply a light coat of natural beeswax polish annually to preserve the timber finish, and position away from direct heat sources and fluctuating humidity.