Very large antique marble & ormolu candelabrum by Carrier-Belleuse & Barbedienne

Very large French antique marble and ormolu candelabrum by Carrier-Belleuse and Barbedienne
French, Late 19th Century
Candelabra: Height 198cm, diameter 80cm
Base: Height 56cm, diameter 58cm
Overall: Height 254cm, diameter 80cm
 
This extraordinary candelabrum is the product of a remarkable collaboration between the celebrated French sculptor Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824–1887) and the esteemed French metalworker and manufacturer Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810–1892). Carrier-Belleuse executed the finely modelled marble figurative group, while Barbedienne crafted the luxurious marble and ormolu base, seamlessly combining artistic vision with technical mastery.
 
The centrepiece of the candelabrum is a delicately carved white marble group depicting two Bacchantes, female followers of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and revelry. They flank a classical pillar, beneath which a toppled vase spills wine, while another vase rests atop the column, drawing the eye toward the dramatic candelabrum above. This composition is inspired by Etienne Falconet (1716–1791), whose similar design was exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1761. An illustration of Falconet’s work is preserved in the Salon livret by Gabriel de Saint-Aubin, now held at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France.
 
Rising from the allegorical figures is an eight-branch candelabrum adorned with detailed floral and foliate motifs. The central stem features twisting branches, roses, and acanthus leaves, exemplifying the sophistication of 19th century French decorative sculpture.
 
The candelabrum stands on a circular rouge griotte marble base, highlighted by a prominent cartouche joined by laurel leaf swags and a laurel-bordered rim. The marble is inscribed ‘A. Carrier,’ while the ormolu mounts carry the mark ‘F. Barbedienne.’
 
Exquisitely executed, this candelabrum is a highly desirable addition to any collection of the world’s finest decorative arts.
 
Artist/Maker: Ferdinand Barbedienne (French, 1810-1892), Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (French, 1824-1887)