Pair Of Large Bronze Candelabras With Child Musicians – Napoleon III Period

Pair of large bronze candelabras with child musicians – Napoleon III period. An important pair of six-light candelabras in finely chiseled bronze with a brown and gilded patina, made during the Second Empire. This model, spectacular in its presence and refinement, is inspired by the decorative art of the Renaissance, among others, revived under Napoleon III in the context of the historicist style. Each candelabra rests on a large, animated tripod base, decorated with foliage, acanthus leaves and volutes, fully enhanced with gilding. The base is animated by three putti figures in the round, in patinated bronze, representing child musicians: one plays the pan flute, another the trumpet, a third the flute, in a spirit inspired by the works of Clodion. The fine details – expressions, instruments, drapery – testify to very high-quality work. The central, openwork shaft rests on three decorated curved arms, which support a central bobèche and five light arms in the form of leafy volutes and bunches of grapes. The latter end in sockets with gadrooned and clover leaf decoration. The central light is topped with a stylized flame, forming a snuffer. The whole wonderfully combines the dark patina of the bronze and the brilliance of the gilding, in a contrast characteristic of the Second Empire taste. A high-quality Parisian work, in the style of Henry Picard, the pieces once dismantled are signed DUB, we have not identified these initials which must correspond to the bronzier or the founder. Set in very good condition, original patina and still very fresh gilding. Total height: 65cm