Pair Of Egyptian Candlesticks From The Empire Period, ‘retour D’egypte’. Circa 1805

Fine pair of the Empire period candlesticks in patinated anf gilded bronze

The central column, tapered and fluted, is surmounted by three heads of Egyptian women wearing the nemes. It supports the finial, decorated with stylized palmettes.

The circular base is adorned with three pairs of feet shaped like Egyptian priestesses and rests on a frieze of stylized palmettes.

Height: 22 cm (8 ⅝ in.)
Base diameter: 9.8 cm (3 ⅞ in.)
France, circa 1805

Comparable work:
The Mobilier National holds several pairs of identical pieces, including one from Napoleon’s bedroom at the Pavillon du Butard, described in the inventories as: “two copper candelabra with antique-green shafts, gilded at the top and bottom, 21 cm high.”

The composition, ornamental style, and quality of craftsmanship of this pair are characteristic of Parisian production during the Empire period and can be compared to models attributed to Claude Galle.

Comparative sale:
A similar pair of candlesticks, from the collection of Baron and Baroness Eugène Fould-Springer at the Abbey Palace of Royaumont, and subsequently passed down to the Nathaniel de Rothschild collection, was sold at Christie’s in Paris on September 20, 2011, lot 377.

The work can be viewed by appointment in Paris.
Shipping available in France and internationally via UPS/FedEx, with appropriate packaging