Pair Of Figurative Candlesticks In Patinated Bronze – Attributed To Louis-valentin Elias Robert

France, second half of the 19th century

A pair of large French figurative candlesticks in patinated bronze, dating from the second half of the 19th century and attributed to Louis-Valentin Elias Robert (1821–1874).

Each candlestick depicts an elegant female figure in the style of a caryatid, clad in finely modeled antique-style drapery. Standing on a stepped architectural base, the figures raise their arms to hold the candle holders above their heads.

Particular attention was paid to the sculptural treatment of the figures: delicately modeled faces, harmonious proportions, and remarkable rendering of the folds and movement of the drapery. The bronze’s dark patina highlights the relief and the finesse of the craftsmanship.

The composition follows the French Neoclassical and Neo-Empire traditions, reflecting the enduring influence of Greco-Roman antiquity on 19th-century French decorative arts.

The classical vocabulary, proportions, and sculptural treatment show affinities with the work of Louis-Valentin Elias Robert (1821–1874), a French sculptor renowned for his classical and allegorical figures and his works intended for architectural ornamentation.

Standing 61 cm tall, this pair possesses a particularly striking architectural and sculptural presence. The symmetry of the composition and the elegance of the caryatids make them both decorative candlesticks and true interior sculptures.

Origin: France
Period: Second half of the 19th century
Attribution: Louis-Valentin Elias Robert (1821–1874)
Style: Neoclassical / Neo-Empire
Material: Patinated bronze
Dimensions: 61 × 27 × 19 cm each