Pair of Empire Style Bronze Figural Antique Candelabra, 19th Century

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Pair of Empire Style Bronze Figural Antique Candelabra, 19th Century

About the Item

A very fine pair of French Empire Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze Four-Light Candelabra raised over the allegorical "à la Victoire". This flawlessly cast and highly detailed duo are in the distinct manner of Pierre Philippe Thomire (French, 1751-1843) after the original design by Charles Percier. The patinated winged figure of Victory holds aloft her bouquet of flowers from which sprout four large cornucopia candle arms with acanthus leafage sprawling symmetrically from the stem into the anthemion decorated candle-wells, these situated evenly around the centermost spire, a flame raised on a tapered torchière. Each figure stand tipped-toed on a polished sphere, her diaphanous robes furl intensely behind her with the force of an imaginary wind, pulling the silky garb tightly against the slender form of her body. Her wings flare towards the sky, her arms almost weightless as they comfortably lift the immense weight above her shoulder, these flanking the laurel wreath crowning her accomplished head. Every detail of her hair and face are captured perfectly in the deep-brown patinated bronze, her strong jaw and warm features portraying calm and confidence. Her upraised arms are soft and shapely as they raise an overflowing basket high over her head, the basket covered in floral and foliate ornamentation, ; the midmost post raises a flamed finial to complete the form. The entire form rests over a cylindrical and flawlessly detailed plinth over a chased ring and squared base. The back of the squared base has a small knob to operate the light, beside which the electrical cord comes through. Naturally, the electricity was added later and with utmost care, coming through the plinth, behind her feet, up behind the wings and along the back of the arms where small black wires secure the wire hidden from the front before flowing upward into the candelabra. We believe the mercury gilded surfaces are entirely original, possibly with some touch ups, bringing incredible contrast and depth against the dark green-black patinated figures. An exceptional pair, they are clearly inspired by the series of very fine candelabra cast by Pierre-Philippe Thomire; a similar form to the present example is signed by Thomire and is held in the collection at the Metropolitan Museum, New York (acc. no. 26.256.2, .3), also pictured below. For the serious collector passionate about the fine hand crafted decorative arts, these candelabra are an investment-grade selection of utmost quality and craftsmanship. Further Reading and References: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, acc. no. 26.256.2, .3 Vergoldete Bronzen: Die Bronzearbeiten des Spatbarock und Klassizismus, Ottomeyer, 1986 Measurements: 23 1/2" H (to flame finial); 8 1/4" W (at branches). Base diameter 4 1/4" Condition Report: First candelabra: Light patina wear, somewhat isolated to between the wings where the cord rubs a bit; patina wear to arms and where tiny wires secure the electric cords. One branch with a regilded repair. Second candelabra: Back right candle arm appears to have a repair beneath the verdigris oxidization where it joins the shaft. Wire between wings at back soldered to the figural.Trace verdigris oxidization to the right elbow. Rubbing and oxidization where wires rest against the gilt and patina. Notes for both pieces: In side images, one candelabrum appears to have a forward lean - this was photographed before we had the rod inside of the figure restored; both figures now have perfect upright stature. Candelabra have been drilled for electricity - however, this has been done with incredible respect for the objects. Permanent alterations are isolated to a drilled hole in the square base, drilled hole in the brass sphere, a soldered wire affixed between the wings, tiny little wire "ties" that hide the cords from sight, drilled hole back of floral arrangement, drilled hole in the bobeche and candle well. Wires cut for liability purposes - lamps will have to be rewired. Rubbing and light wear to the patina throughout, though the patina remains in excellent condition throughout. Gilding is oxidized throughout - the vast majority of the mercury gilding is original and absolutely gorgeous; there is patina touch-up here and there in the gilt, generally where wires have rubbed.

Similar to:
Pierre-Philippe Thomire (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)Width: 8.25 in (20.96 cm)Depth: 8 in (20.32 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Style:
Empire (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Gilt,Patinated
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa Mid to Late 19th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Shippensburg, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: 412QAZ08P1stDibs: LU105902238772