Rare Pair Of Regula Candlesticks - Ratapoil Caricature - XIXᵉ Century

Rare and amusing pair of patinated regule candleholders depicting the famous Ratapoil character, an emblematic figure of political caricature under the Second Empire.

Each subject features this character with a deliberately grotesque and expressive face, topped with his characteristic hat, camped on long gangly legs in a theatrical attitude. The figures lean on a rifle, forming the support for the candlestick, while the bobèche is discreetly integrated at the top of the composition.

The ensemble features a very fine quality of casting and chasing, with a nuanced antique green and brown patina perfectly highlighting the reliefs and satirical character of the subjects.

The model refers directly to the famous Ratapoil created by Honoré Daumier, whose influence was important in the decorative arts of the second half of the XIXᵉ century.

Rare decorative pieces, as interesting for a curiosity enthusiast as for a collector of objects related to political caricature.

Era:second half of the XIXᵉ century
Material: patinated regula
Subject: caricatured Ratapoil, leaning on a rifle
Function: candlesticks/candlesticks

Dimensions:
Height: 32 cm

Condition:good overall condition, note a crack to one leg of one of the figures (see photo).