Pair Of Regency Candlesticks, Chased And Gilded Bronze – First Half Of The 18th Century.

A beautiful pair of finely chased and gilded bronze candlesticks, representative of the first half of the 18th century, in the pure Regency style. Each candlestick rests on a wide, undulating base with stepped profiles, composed of successive tiers forming alternating concave and convex surfaces, typical of early 18th-century bronzes. The fluted stem features two slightly curved faces, each adorned with a cartouche decorated with a radiating shell, an emblematic motif of this pivotal period. The whole is punctuated by molded knots and rings, including a highly sculpted shoulder that supports the upper stem. The top is capped with a hexagonal drip pan, characteristic of the transition between the later Louis XIV forms and the beginnings of the Rococo style. The chasing, very crisp in the shells, cartouches, and moldings, highlights the quality of the bronze worker's craftsmanship. Gilding & Craftsmanship: The original mercury gilding is still very well preserved, with a beautiful, even sheen. A very discreet seam is visible in places on the stem, a normal consequence of the manufacturing technique of the period, where the shaft was cast in two parts, then joined and smoothed. Dimensions: Height: 24.5 cm Condition: Very good overall condition, authentic gilding preserved, crisp details, no modern restoration.