Pair Of Empire Candelabra In Burnished And Mercury-gilt Bronze, First Half Of The 19th Century.

Pair of Empire candelabra in burnished and mercury-gilt bronze, first half of the 19th century.

Origin: France
Dimensions: 73 x 24 cm.

This pair of elegant candelabra features several interesting elements. The body consists of the figure of a vestal, in burnished bronze, holding two gilt-bronze jugs. The upper part, consisting of the candle-bearing arms, is made of gilt-bronze and is richly decorated: applied friezes and chased palmettes embellish the structure, while the candle holders are surrounded by flaming torches. A fourth decorative arm continues the theme and features a sort of torch.The candelabra rest on a hexagonal prism pedestal embellished with friezes featuring floral, plant, and palmette elements.The gilded base features exquisitely carved palmettes, plant elements, animal figures, and a splendid pair of mythological figures playing a double flute.

The two candelabras display the typical characteristics of Empire-style furnishing objects: the interplay of contrasts between burnished and gilded bronze and the use of decorations with classical elements, which convey a sense of majesty and a direct connection with Greco-Roman iconography.