15-Light Gilt Bronze And Painted Porcelain Chandelier In The Louis XVI Style

An impressive French fifteen-light chandelier executed in gilt bronze and hand-painted porcelain in the Louis XVI style, representing an outstanding example of French decorative arts from the Historicist period. The composition is centred around a large turquoise-blue porcelain bowl richly embellished with gilded ornament and finely painted reserves. The principal reserve depicts a playful putto holding a garland of grapes beside a classical tazza filled with fruit. The baluster-shaped porcelain vase above and the suspended porcelain collar are decorated with floral bouquets enclosed within gilt cartouches. The painted decoration reflects the refined decorative vocabulary of nineteenth-century French porcelain, inspired by the celebrated productions of the Sevres Manufactory. The finely chased gilt bronze framework comprises fifteen elegantly scrolling candle arms arranged on two tiers. The arms are enriched with scrolling volutes, acanthus foliage, anthemia, rosettes and finely cast candle sockets. The central shaft is supported by three winged female herm figures integrated into stylised foliate supports, while the upper section terminates in an openwork gilt bronze crown suspended from a chain. Distinguished by the exceptional quality of its bronze casting, meticulous chasing and accomplished porcelain painting, this chandelier was conceived as a prestigious furnishing for grand reception rooms, aristocratic residences and formal interiors. Signatures and Marks: The painted porcelain decoration bears the signature GL, probably that of the porcelain painter responsible for the decoration. Dimensions: Diameter: 60 cm. Condition: Good condition, consistent with age. Professionally restored in the past. Minor traces of age and use are present. The gilt surface and painted decoration remain well preserved. Electrified.