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Two Empire style gilt and patinated bronze candelabra

Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Two Empire style gilt and patinated bronze candelabra
French, 19th Century
Height 52cm, width 20cm, depth 14cm

This majestic pair of gilt and patinated bronze candelabra are designed in the Empire style, which was popularised under Napoleon I (1769-1821). The art of the Empire period (1804-1814, 1815), when Napoleon was in power, often focused on the military and on lauding Napoleon’s campaigns. In furniture and the decorative arts, Imperial Roman motifs on the theme of war became increasingly fashionable, such as classical trophies—collections of weaponry and armour taken from a defeated enemy—and laurel wreaths, which were symbols of victory.

Each candelabrum features five lights, composed of scrolling, foliate patinated branches, topped by gilt drip-pans, and patinated urn-shaped capitals with gilt sconces. The patinated stems of the candelabra are decorated with gilt laurel leaf wreaths. Patinated sculptures of the classical Roman figures Mars, the god of war, and Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and strategy in war, stand next to the candelabra stems. They are dressed in full body armour, with Mars holding a sword, and Minerva a long spear, ready for battle. These figures stand on tall plinths, with gilt tops and bases, and patinated bodies decorated with gilt classical trophies.

More Information

Origin:	France
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Patinated Bronze, Ormolu (Gilt-Bronze).
Styles / Movements:	Empire
Dealer Reference #:	15914
Incollect Reference #:	449605

Dimensions

W.	7.87 in;	H.	20.47 in;	D.	5.51 in;
W.	20 cm;	H.	52 cm;	D.	14 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.