Pair Of Empire Candlesticks Decorated With Winged Sphinxes (2nd Half Of The 19th Century)

This pair of patinated bronze candlesticks is a characteristic example of the French Empire style that developed in the early 19th century under the reign of Napoleon. The sphinx, a mythological creature with the strength of a lion and the wisdom of a man, was one of the most popular motifs of the period. This fascination was fueled by the French military campaign in Egypt, which gave rise to the so-called "Return from Egypt" movement in European decorative arts.

The candleholders are made in the classical tradition, with sphinxes depicted with outstretched wings and a female torso. They carry a candleholder in the form of an antique capital, decorated with stylized palm or acanthus leaves. The figures rest on a base of black marble, a material frequently used in the 19th century to enhance the contrast with the dark bronze and give the pieces a monumental appearance.

Although the design is inspired by the early 19th century, these high-quality casts remained very popular throughout the century and enjoyed a resurgence of interest under the Second Empire (1852-1870).