A Pair Of Important Gilded Bronze Candelabra Attributed To Denière, Based On Dugourc

An impressive pair of seven-light candelabra in finely chased bronze gilded with mercury, mounted on a white marble base. They feature rich neoclassical decoration; each candelabra consists of a large central vase decorated with friezes of oculi, garlands of flowers and foliage, from which rise seven lights arranged around a central shaft topped by a fluted vase with lion heads. The elegant arms, adorned with plant scrollwork, support candle holders shaped like ancient craters and decorated with beaded garlands. The entire piece rests on a substantial tripod base with Ionic consoles, embellished with acanthus leaves, grape clusters, rosettes, and cascading garlands, set upon a sculpted white marble plinth adorned with gilded bronze inlays.
Each candelabrum consists of about 40 independent elements, assembled with wrought-iron screws and hand-threaded rods—a technique typical of 18th-century craftsmanship that underscores the luxurious nature of the work. The quality of the chiseling is particularly remarkable in the secondary parts and less visible areas, attesting to first-rate craftsmanship. The mercury gilding, in both matte and glossy finishes, is of very high quality and comparable to that of the greatest bronze artisans active during the Empire.
The model is inspired by the repertoire of Jean-Démosthène Dugourc and was executed by a luxury Parisian bronze artist in the second half of the 19th century, most likely Guillaume Denière.

Guillaume Denière, who took over from his father in 1844, headed the prominent Parisian bronze and silversmithing firm, which employed four hundred workers until the end of the 19th century. The production of luxury items based on both antique models (such as our candelabras, which incorporate elements from Dugourc’s designs) and modern ones (for example, his collaboration with Carrier Belleuse) led Denière to create, among other things, several clocks and mantelpieces for the Tuileries Palace (1852 and 1854), a spectacular bronze table centerpiece for the Russian ambassador (1854), decorative bronzes for the viceroy of Egypt (1862), a mantelpiece for Napoleon III (1867), the grilles for the Throne Room for the King of Cambodia, and other prestigious commissions from French and European high society. His contributions to the World’s Fairs were always eagerly anticipated and noted as highly as those of the Barbedienne workshop.

A beautiful, luxurious piece dating from the Second Empire, characterized by the excellent craftsmanship of its bronzes. The piece is truly spectacular in terms of its size, quality, and seven burners. It is worthy of an imperial or national palace.

Very good overall condition; superb matte and glossy gilding, deep and well-preserved. The pearl frieze is missing from the marble bases, but this is hardly noticeable given the richness of the piece as a whole.

Height: 70 cm