Pair Of Candlesticks With Antique Figures And Poppies In Patinated And Gilded Bronze, Directoire Period.

Pair of patinated and gilt bronze candlesticks with antique figures and poppies, Directoire period. Patinated, gilt and chased bronze. France. Directoire period, circa 1800. Origin: France, circa 1795-1800. Good dimensions: Height 34 cm. Square base: 8 cm x 8 cm. Original mercury gilding. Exceptional chasing. Parisian private collection. Architecture: These exceptional patinated and mercury-gilt bronze candlesticks in antique style and "with poppies", dating from the Directoire period, demonstrate superb craftsmanship. Each finely crafted candlestick features patinated bronze figures of a man and a woman draped in classical fashion, known as "aux Romains", supporting amphorae. A delicate branch with foliage and a poppy flower in a socket emerge from the amphorae, creating a flowery arm of light. The male and female figures are elegantly posed on a cylindrical base decorated with stylized Etruscan masks connected by falling drapes, all resting on a square base with a wide, ornate and molded collar. Our Directoire period candlesticks are exceptionally well preserved and retain their original mercury gilding. Origin: France, circa 1795-1800. Directoire period. Materials: Cast bronze, chased, gilded, patinated. Condition report: With more than 15 pieces, these candlesticks are of great craftsmanship, with magnificent overall finesse and fine, elegant chiseling. Their original two-tone matte and glossy mercury gilding and their beautiful old brown patina give these rare objects an incredible presence and elegance for a collection or a decoration of very high taste. They harmonize with neoclassical and Empire decoration, as well as in a modern, refined and contemporary environment. Traces of use and age (antique object). Antique bobèches (one original and another later). Bibliography: In 1911, two pairs of candelabra with identical subjects were registered with the Mobilier National. One was at the Élysée Palace, the other at the Ministry of the Navy. Sources on this subject: Louis Jean-Marie Daubenton, in Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers, sv « Pavot », vol. XII, n° 689-690, Ernest Dumonthier, Les Bronzes du mobilier national,