Exceptional Opal Glass Chandelier by Baccarat

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Exceptional Opal Glass Chandelier by Baccarat

About the Item

Rare Baccarat opal glass chandelier composed of a cup suspended by six opal glass and gilded bronze articulated chains from which go twelve cut-crystal light-arms and of a ceiling lamp with cut edge. Rich decoration of a “bleu celeste” opal-glass background enhanced with a golden decor and bouquets of flowers. The whole is embellished with a lovely gilded bronze mount of foliage motifs. That elegant floral decoration was probably painted by Jean-François Robert (1778-1870), who was a painter at the Sèvres porcelain Manufacture and who worked for the Baccarat Manufacture between 1845 and 1860. The first painted decorations on opal crystal were baked at low-temperature and were easily damaged. The creation of a painted and vitrified decoration allowed stabilising durably on the opal glass an abundant and vivid decoration often composed of flowers and enhanced with gold. The technic of opal glass, obtained by addition of tin oxide, was known in Venice as soon as the 16th century. However it was only in 1810 that this technic was adapted to crystal in France. The first opal crystal pieces were adorned with a cutwork and gilt bronze mounts, but short after the painted and baked decoration then developed adorned opal crystal pieces with polychrome and refined ornaments, creating real paintings on opal crystal. The famous crystal manufacture of Baccarat, that dates back to the 18th century, was awarded its first medal in 1823, during the “Exposition des Produits de l’Industrie” for the “brilliance and the sharpness of its crystal” and became then the most renowned French “cristallerie”. Baccarat was undoubtedly the only French manufacture, that exhibited steadily and magnificently its products at the various Universal Exhibitions, and especially between 1855 and 1867. In all reports one can read about the “perfection of the material and of its cut”. To keep its wealthy clientele, among which the Royal family, Baccarat must discover new styles and decors as well as new material, as shows that beautiful opal glass, which became one of Baccarat’s specialities in the 1850s.

Creator:
Baccarat (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 43.31 in (110 cm)Diameter: 34.26 in (87 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Crystal,Opaline Glass,Gilt
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
1880-1889
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1880
Condition:
Seller Location:
PARIS, FR
Reference Number:
Seller: 16301stDibs: LU3860312955871

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Baccarat

One of the world’s foremost crystal manufacturers, Baccarat has long been emblematic of luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. Starting in the early 19th century, objects produced by the French company — from stemware to chandeliers to brightly colored paperweights — became a staple of noble and wealthy households across Europe and as far afield as India. Along with the purity and quality of their glass, Baccarat crystal makers can boast a remarkable fluency with a range of design styles — from cut-glass neoclassical pieces to sinuously etched Art Nouveau designs.

Baccarat began as a kind of industrial development project. In 1764, the Bishop of Metz and other landowners in heavily forested northeastern France persuaded Louis XV to sanction a glassworks in the area — timber being a key resource required for the furnaces used in glass production. In its early years the company produced humble products such as window panes and simple drinking vessels. In 1816 a new owner began making crystal, and seven years later Louis XVIII — who had taken the throne after the defeat of Napoleon — gave Baccarat its first royal commission, for tableware. In ensuing years, an estimated one third of the company’s workforce was dedicated to commissions to the Russian imperial court alone.

Spurred by the intense competition between global industries in the latter 19th century — fought in public view in the many world expositions of the era — Baccarat elevated its level of artistry by adopting new technologies and creating a rigorous training program. The firm broadened its stylistic range, embracing Asian influences and new engraving methods, and increasing production of its now iconic millefiori paperweights. The designer George Chevalier, who worked for Baccarat for more than five decades beginning in 1916, ushered the company into the realm of modernist design. In recent years, Baccarat has employed such renowned contemporary designers as Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders, ensuring that Baccarat crystal will continue to enjoy pride of place on up-to-date tables. But as you will see from the offerings on 1stDibs, Baccarat has items to suit any taste.