A Pair Of Pair Of Consulat Candlesticks , Circa 1795

A rare pair of candlesticks in chiselled and gilded bronze, resting on a moulded circular base decorated with beaded friezes.
The shaft features an Egyptian-style female figure in dark brown patinated bronze, depicted standing with her arms at her sides, clad in a stylised loincloth reminiscent of ancient iconography inspired by Egypt.

The upper section features a candlestick bowl and a cup in gilded bronze, decorated with engraved motifs of palmettes, lotuses and neoclassical friezes.

These candlesticks perfectly illustrate the craze for Ancient Egypt that followed Napoleon Bonaparte’s Egyptian campaign during the Consulate period. The hieratic female figures, lotus motifs and symmetrical lines are characteristic of the Consulate/Empire style and the ‘Return from Egypt’ trend.
This decorative style was widely used by leading Parisian bronze artists such as Pierre-Philippe Thomire and Claude Galle.

The heads, masks and frieze on the base can be compared to models illustrated in Marie-France Dupuy-Baylet’s book, L’Heure, le Feu, la Lumière, p. 146 supplied by Claude Galle

Condition: In good overall condition.
Shows signs of wear and light signs of use consistent with its age.
The gilding is well preserved, with some minor scuffing.