Pair Of Louis XVI Style Candlesticks, Finely Chased And Mercury-gilded Bronze - Galle /ravrio

A pair of large gilt bronze candlesticks or torches, with acanthus leaf bases, a row of pearls, a fluted quiver-shaped stem, and inverted acanthus leaves. The chasing and gilding are of very high quality, both matte and burnished with mercury. Late Louis XVI or early Empire period. The work of Claude Galle or Antoine Ravrio. These candlesticks are variations of models exhibited at the Château de Fontainebleau and listed in Jean-Pierre Samoyault's book, "Pendules et bronzes d'ameublement entrés sous le premier Empire" (Pendants and Furniture Bronzes Entered During the First Empire). Regarding these torches, the author states that "Their origin cannot be determined. It would seem that this type of torch with a fluted stem and inverted leaf ornament was supplied by both Galle and Ravrio." This model is distinguished by its great simplicity and excellent quality of execution. These candlesticks are composed of seven independent pieces (a sign of the model's quality), entirely made of mercury-gilded bronze in matte and burnished finishes (bronze only, no brass parts). A very rare quality detail is the gilding on the underside of the candlesticks, which is generally taken as evidence of late 19th-century electroplating. However, on pieces of royal or imperial quality from the late 18th century, the underside was also burnished, as is the case with these candlesticks. The gilding is indeed mercury-gilded; on the removable sub-components, only the visible parts are gilded, leaving the interior unglazed. The gilding of the underside is a deliberate act, a sign of very high-quality craftsmanship. A beautiful collector's piece, ideal for an Empire or Louis XVI style setting. Very good condition, beautiful gilding with no wear. A similar-style candle holder is included. Height: 29 cm Diameter: 14.3 cm