Pair Of Candlesticks In Gilt Bronze And Lapis Lazuli Louuis XVI Style

This pair of candlesticks reflects the aesthetic vocabulary of the Louis XVI style, which experienced a strong revival in the 19th century. The straight architectural lines, the classical decorative references and the presence of female caryatids recall late-18th-century models, reinterpreted by French decorative workshops throughout the 19th century.

The shafts are crafted from natural lapis-lazuli, valued for its intense ultramarine colour and characteristic pyrite inclusions. All mounts are in finely chased and fire-gilt bronze, displaying a precise and detailed sculptural finish. The overall execution is consistent with high-quality French production from the period, particularly those specialising in neoclassical decorative objects.

The upper section of each candlestick features a group of three female caryatids, crowned with floral garlands and rendered with refined modelling. This motif, rooted in antique inspiration, was popular among Parisian bronziers seeking to express grace, symmetry and classical harmony.

The lapis-lazuli column is articulated by two gilt-bronze rings decorated with stylised floral motifs, while the upper register presents geometric ornamentation typical of neoclassical bronzework.
The circular base is enriched with a broad floral frieze framed by a border of stylised leaves, echoing the ornamental vocabulary of the Louis XVI period.
The small tripod feet create an elegant transition between the hardstone shaft and the gilt-bronze base.

Candlesticks combining hardstone elements with sculptural gilt-bronze caryatids appear infrequently on the market. The use of lapis-lazuli in particular, paired with such elaborate figurative ornamentation, is characteristic of refined 19th-century French craftsmanship and distinguishes this pair from more conventional productions.

Height - 28 cm
Base diameter - 11 cm