Retired • Vintage • Hand-Forged Iron • Mexican Hacienda Style • Collectible Guardian Angel
A beautiful expression of Jan Barboglio's unmistakable Old World artistry, this retired Guardian Angel Votive Candle Holder combines the strength of hand-forged iron with the quiet elegance of a minimalist angel silhouette. Its deeply textured dark brown iron, primitive sculptural form, and spiritual symbolism make it an exceptional piece for collectors of Barboglio's earlier designs.
Authentic vintage Jan Barboglio. Retired design. A timeless piece of functional iron artwork.
The guardian angel has long represented protection, comfort, guidance, and spiritual presence.
This particular design captures those qualities through remarkable simplicity. A rounded head rises above gracefully extended wings, while a long, straight iron body connects the angel to its substantial circular candleholder base.
There are no unnecessary embellishments. The beauty is in the silhouette, the substantial iron construction, and the artisan finish.
Its primitive architectural form beautifully combines rustic Mexican craftsmanship with a restrained, almost Brutalist sculptural aesthetic.
Unlike more elaborate Jan Barboglio angel designs featuring roses, crowns, or ornamental details, this Guardian Angel celebrates the beauty of simplicity.
Jan Barboglio's celebrated designs draw inspiration from the historic haciendas, religious traditions, and traditional ironwork of Mexico.
Her distinctive approach combines time-honored metalworking techniques with contemporary sculptural design, creating functional objects that feel as though they have been treasured for generations.
This Guardian Angel features the characteristic dark, hand-finished iron associated with her early collections.
The textured surface, irregularities, and subtle differences in coloration are essential elements of the design.
These pieces were created to have the presence and character of aged, handcrafted ironwork rather than the uniform appearance of modern mass-produced décor.
No two handcrafted examples are exactly alike.
The iron has a beautifully aged, dark brown finish with near-black undertones and natural variations throughout.
The irregular texture, uneven surface coloration, and rustic characteristics are intentional elements of the original Old World design.
These variations are not damage or manufacturing defects. They are part of the distinctive artisan character that makes Jan Barboglio's ironwork so recognizable.
The photographs may make the iron appear darker brown or nearly black. Please watch the accompanying video for a more accurate representation of the actual brown coloration.
The original rustic appearance has been preserved.
This piece did not originally come with a votive when purchased several years ago. A substantial clear glass votive holder is included with this piece as a complimentary addition.
Important: The glass is not original to the Jan Barboglio piece and was not originally supplied with this design.
I selected this particular glass holder for my own collection because of its exceptional thickness, substantial weighted bottom, and beautiful contrast against the dark forged iron.
The glass has a clean, simple silhouette with a thick rim and unusually substantial base.
The combination of clear glass and richly textured iron creates a striking balance between transparency and strength.
It has always been my favorite glass accompaniment for this particular Guardian Angel.
The glass votive holder will be included at no additional charge.
I have personally collected these Jan Barboglio Guardian Angels and loved arranging several together along my fireplace mantel.
What made the display so beautiful was that each angel possessed its own subtle differences in iron texture, surface coloration, and handcrafted character.
Lined together, their silhouettes created an extraordinary display of Old World craftsmanship.
The variations between the angels were not imperfections. They were precisely what made the collection so special.
This is one of those understated Barboglio designs that becomes even more beautiful when displayed in a grouping.
Overall height: 5.5 inches
Circular iron base diameter: approximately 3 inches
Angel wingspan: approximately 2 inches
Complimentary glass holder diameter: approximately 2.5 inches
Complimentary glass holder height: approximately 1.75 inches
Materials: Heavy iron and complimentary clear glass
Color: Dark rustic brown iron with near-black undertones
Finish: Textured aged waxed appearance
Please refer to the photographs with rulers for additional measurement details.
Beautiful vintage condition with the authentic rustic character expected of Jan Barboglio's handcrafted ironwork. The iron displays intentional variations in texture, finish, and coloration, consistent with the artist's signature Old World aesthetic. The aged appearance is an integral part of the design and should not be mistaken for damage. The included thick glass votive holder is a complimentary accessory rather than an original component of the piece. Please examine all photographs and the accompanying video, as they form an important part of the description and illustrate the actual finish, proportions, and craftsmanship. Each piece is hand worked. It is individually cast or wrought, hammered, sanded and hand finished. Slight irregularities, imperfections and variations of shading and texture are characteristics of the material and the old world finishing process that adds to its distinct beauty. Each piece is slightly different.
Retired Jan Barboglio designs are especially appealing to collectors who appreciate her distinctive early ironwork.
This Guardian Angel offers a particularly versatile combination of sculptural beauty, symbolic meaning, and functional design.
Display it on a fireplace mantel, secretary, console table, bookshelf, bedside table, or as part of a carefully curated collection of religious and spiritual artwork.
It also makes a thoughtful gift for someone who appreciates guardian angel symbolism, Mexican artisan craftsmanship, or authentic vintage luxury décor.
YouBeYou LLC maintains a dedicated eBay category featuring an evolving collection of authentic Jan Barboglio pieces, including retired ironwork, candleholders, sculptural objects, serving accessories, and distinctive decorative treasures.
THE COLLECTION OF JAN BARBOGLIO PIECES
I encourage you to explore the collection. Because of the handcrafted nature of these pieces, no two examples are exactly alike, and additional coordinating treasures may be available.
YouBeYou LLC — Curated Vintage Treasures & Distinctive Luxury Décor
After many years designing clothing with her sister in their Barboglio Cristina & Jan Collection, Jan Barboglio began sculpting accessories and furniture for her own home. Her childhood, spent in north central Mexico, would prove to be fertile ground for inspiration, and every object created by her would carry with it the rich history and romance of old Mexico.
Barboglio’s initial designs of wax grabbers were for her silver, bronze and iron candelabra. Altar pieces and house blessing crosses were integrated into her own home furnishings. Her love of entertainment would later result in her own iron chargers, platters and chafing dishes. Leather goods and saddle stools began to fill her home. All of these influences are evident in her Jan Barboglio Collection of today.
Jan Barboglio’s original designs led the way for her current and extensive home accessories line. The Jan Barboglio Collection has since flourished into crosses and crowns, fleur de lis and scrolls, wildflowers, dog canisters, and roses, guardian angels and symbolic bleeding hearts. From her signature Box of Miracles which houses 12 metal “milagros”, prayer and family crosses, Barboglio is now well-known for bringing the spiritual aspect of old Mexico to home decor.
This is a pre-owned item and I take great care to accurately describe the item but please see the pictures for full details. While we do our best to list every item in detail, these are vintage and pre-owned items and some flaws are to be expected. Please see all photos/ video as they are a large part of the description of our items.
I have additional similar items that I have yet to list that you may be interested in. Feel free to follow my store (YouBeYou LLC) to see those when posted.
Please see all photos/ video as they are a large part of the description of our items.
I strive to make every purchase a pleasant experience. Please feel confidence in you purchase that I'll make every effort to correct any issues that may arise. If used, there are always some sign of wear -- well, because it is used, vintage, or antique. All items are used -- Each item is inspected for quality.
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(Note: pictures may include measurements and some have a video.)