Louis Frédéric Wolfers – Pair Of Large Engraved Silver Candlesticks, Brussels, Circa 1870

Louis Frédéric Wolfers – Pair of large engraved silver candlesticks, Brussels, circa 1870

Pair of large silver candlesticks by Louis Frédéric Wolfers, a Brussels silversmith active from 1852 to 1892, father of Philippe and Marcel Wolfers, and the founder of the Wolfers dynasty. Brussels-made work from the Napoleon III period, circa 1870.

With a particularly imposing height of 32 cm, these candlesticks feature a slender design resting on a wide, circular, semi-circular base, extended by a tapered and fluted shaft. The composition is punctuated by several molded bands and knots featuring foliage motifs in relief, culminating in a flared cup that holds its original candle holder.

The piece is further enhanced by extensive engraving, covering virtually its entire surface. The base is divided into broad, radiating compartments adorned with compositions of scrollwork, foliage, flowers, and rocaille motifs, finely engraved on textured backgrounds. This same decorative vocabulary continues vertically along the sides of the shaft and the bowl, alternating with long fluting that accentuates the slender silhouette.

The contrast between the polished surfaces, the deeply incised fluting, the foliage elements in relief, and the delicacy of the engraved sections gives this pair a particularly rich ornamentation while maintaining a balanced and symmetrical design.

Both candlesticks have retained their original candle holders, an important element for the integrity of the set. The bases are fitted with their removable wooden weights. Once these are removed, the pair has a net silver weight of 840 grams, a substantial weight for this type of candlestick.

The pieces bear the hallmark of Louis Frédéric Wolfers as well as the 800 fineness mark, visible on the base.

Characteristics

• Silversmith: Louis Frédéric Wolfers
• Location: Brussels, Belgium
• Period: Napoleon III era, circa 1870
• Material: silver
• Fineness: 800 thousandths
• Decoration: fluting, scrollwork, foliage, flowers, and rocaille motifs, engraved and in relief
• Candlesticks: original candlesticks
• Height: 32 cm
• Base diameter: 14.5 cm
• Net silver weight of the pair: 840 g, excluding wooden ballast
• Hallmarks: Louis Frédéric Wolfers and 800 fineness