Orientalist Chandelier, France, Circa 1880

Athirty-six-light Oriental-inspired chandelier in patinated and gilded bronzeand cut and faceted crystal, featuring two independent lighting circuits thatcan be lit together or separately. Centered around a baluster-style shaftadorned with foliage, acanthus leaves, gadroons, and a central element inpatinated bronze, fluted and decorated with plant motifs, this splendidchandelier embodies the splendor and opulence of late 19th-century decorativearts.From thecentral shaft extend two tiers of light arms in graceful scrollwork,terminating in leafy lampshades and embellished with crystal petals. Thecascade of cut crystals is exceptionally rich. From the top, crystal beads,faceted prisms, almond-shaped pendants, and crystal daggers hang in abundancefrom each arm, each lampshade, and the central structure, creating a dazzlingplay of light. A sphere of cut crystal crowns the chandelier.

The term“Orientalism” emerged around 1830, although the 17th and 18th centuries hadalready developed the theme of “Turquerie” with great imagination. This style,steeped in exoticism and picturesque charm, can even be found in the decorationof the private apartments of Marie-Antoinette and the Count of Artois in thelate 1780s. But it was truly in the 19th century, with the expedition