Pair Of Silvered Bronze Torches, "shell" Model, Mounted As Lamps.

An elegant pair of silvered bronze candlesticks, made in the so-called "shell" style, a decorative motif from the Regency period produced throughout much of the 18th century, making precise dating difficult. Each candlestick rests on a circular base with scalloped and gadrooned edges, forming a stepped pedestal. The baluster stem, punctuated by molded rings and faceted panels, is adorned with a central stylized shell motif, a characteristic element of this style, which still combines a certain architectural rigor with a desire for decorative movement. This type of candlestick is well documented in public and private collections. A silver example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), dated around 1780, has a comparable structure (scalloped base, baluster stem with canted facets, and shell decoration), illustrating the longevity and widespread use of this style throughout the 18th century, in both silver and silvered bronze. The well-preserved antique silver plating displays a uniform and elegant patina, with slight wear consistent with age, but without any significant alteration. The candlesticks have been converted into lamps by the addition of a new, discreet, and fully removable electrical system, allowing them to be returned to their candlestick form without any irreversible change. They are complemented by custom-made lampshades in fabric with a floral motif, chosen to harmonize with the silvered bronze patina and the overall 18th-century style. Dimensions: Total height (with lampshade): 44 cm Height of candlestick alone: 26 cm Base diameter: 15 cm Lampshade diameter: 30 cm