By Henry Cahieux and Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Mounted on an onyx base, this Grecian style gilt bronze candelabrum is of vase form, which is topped by twelve lights. The piece is signed ‘F. Barbedienne, Fondeur' and 'Henry Cahieux’.
Head decorator at the Barbedienne bronze foundry, Cahieux was a highly skilled designer who principally worked in the Greek style. He was well-respected in his time and submitted designs to the Paris Salons of 1850 and 1853.
All four facades of the onyx pedestal are decorated with gilt bronze, including floral mounts and beading and the piece is set on four toupie feet. Above, the main body of the candelabrum takes the form of a loutrophoros vase, with its elongated neck and twin handles. Historically, these vases were used to carry water, particularly for a bride’s pre-nuptial bath and in the performance of funeral rites. Possibly relating to its historic function, the vase is ornamented with an imitation of a relief carving, showing a woman pouring water...
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Henry Cahieux and Ferdinand Barbedienne
MaterialsOnyx, Ormolu, Bronze