Pair Of French Regence-style Chiseled Gilt Bronze Candlesticks In The Manner Of Jean Berain

Pair of French Regence-Style Chiseled Gilt Bronze Candlesticks in the Manner of Jean Berain – Mid-19th Century

This substantial pair of finely chiseled gilt bronze candlesticks, now mounted as lamps, embodies the elegance and sophistication of the French Regence style, reinterpreted in the mid-19th century. Their baluster-shaped stems and chamfered bases, adorned with delicately chased shell motifs, showcase exceptional craftsmanship. The matte and polished gilding highlights a refined décor of profile figures, directly inspired by the engravings of Jean Berain, an emblematic artist of the Regence period.

The godrooned vase-shaped sockets feature a varied décor: fire pots, eagles, roosters, fleurs-de-lis, and lozenges. The lower swelling displays acanthus leaves and vegetal interlacing, while medallions with Roman emperor profiles adorn the chamfered sides. Symbolic elements such as military attributes (quivers, shields, standards, swords, and laurel leaves) underscore the historical and artistic richness of these pieces, typical of Jean Berain’s influence.

Now mounted as lamps, they are fitted with new white silk shades with gold interiors, adding a modern touch to their timeless charm. The wiring complies with European standards, with the option to adapt to American standards.

Customization available: Upon request, Galerie MLD Antiquités can create bespoke pleated silk lampshades tailored to your tastes and interior décor.

Dimensions:

Height: 9 ½ in (24 cm)

Base diameter: 5 ⅛ in (13 cm)

Height with lampshade: 18 ⅛ in (46 cm)

Lampshade diameter: 7 ⅞ in (20 cm)

Condition:

Excellent condition. Original gilding with minor authentic wear. Wiring complies with current standards. New white and gold silk lampshades.

Historical and Artistic Context:

These candlesticks are rooted in the Regence style (1715–1723), a transitional period between Baroque and Rococo, characterized by lighter lines and asymmetrical motifs. Their décor is directly inspired by the engravings of Jean Berain (1640–1711), a renowned French designer and engraver known for his ornate and allegorical compositions under the reign of Louis XIV and the Regence. Berain’s work influenced many craftsmen of the 18th and 19th centuries, and his style experienced a revival in the mid-19th century, marked by a return to opulence and symmetry in classical motifs.

Jean Berain: A major artist of the French court, he collaborated with cabinetmakers and bronze workers to create unique pieces, often adorned with military, mythological, or vegetal motifs. His work left a lasting mark on French decorative art and continues to inspire collectors.