Italian, Late 17th/18th Century

The present pair of sculptures depict a male and a female engulfed in the flames that were meant to purify their souls. The female appears to be pleading for salvation, with her hands outstretched towards the viewer, while the male figure is shown with his arms by his side, conveying a contemplative state of mind.

This pair of finials most likely would have surmounted a piece of ecclesiastical furniture, such as a throne chair or pew and would have reminded the potential sinner of the need to expiate his or her sins.