19th Century Lanterns

A superb antique French Louis XVI style bronze, tole, rock crystal, and porcelain chandelier. The chandelier is arranged with six scrolling candle arms surrounding a central basket-form section. Each arm is fitted with a gilt bronze drip pan and candle socket, supporting faux candle lights. The structure is further enriched with foliate tole branches and a series of rock crystal pendants, varying in size from small drops to elongated pear-shaped prisms. The central gilt basket is designed with a lattice surface and issues tole leaves with porcelain flowerheads interspersed among the foliage. Additional rock crystal prisms hang from the lower ring, arms, and upper finial, with porcelain flowers mounted between the branches. The chandelier’s materials combine gilt bronze, tole, rock crystal, and porcelain, reflecting the French tradition of mixed-media decorative lighting. The bronze sections, including drip pans and central supports, are detailed with chased patterns, while the tole foliage is painted in dark tones to contrast with the porcelain blossoms. The porcelain flowers are molded in white, forming miniature roses and blossoms placed throughout the branches. Rock crystal drops are cut in teardrop and faceted pendeloque forms, suspended from gilt rings, and mounted at key points along the arms and finial. This chandelier follows the Louis XVI style, developed in France during the late 19th century, which emphasized symmetry, neoclassical motifs, and the integration of naturalistic ornament. Chandeliers of this type were popular among French decorative art manufacturers of the 19th century, often pairing porcelain flowers with rock crystal pendants for a refined decorative effect. The combination of basket-form elements, porcelain floral...