Neoclassical Bronze And Marble Chandeliers, Based On A Design By Carrier-belleuse

A pair of monumental neoclassical candelabra, crafted with remarkable precision and great refinement. Each candelabra consists of an imposing female figure in patinated bronze, depicted full-length in a classical pose, clad in skillfully sculpted drapery that emphasizes the elegance and monumentality of the composition.

With their raised arms, the figures support a marble sphere set within a rich gilded bronze mount, from which thirteen finely crafted light arms radiate. These are adorned with volutes, foliage, and delicately chiseled plant motifs. The central shaft, richly gilded with mercury, is embellished with friezes of pearls and scrolls as well as foliage motifs surrounding the marble sphere.

The entire piece rests on spectacular bases of veined red marble, richly mounted in gilded bronze and finished with four claw-shaped feet. The facades are adorned with gilded bronze cartouches, a frieze of acanthus leaves, and, at the top, floral festoons, bows, and a frieze of leaves and spears, reflecting a particularly elaborate design.

The composition of the central figures is inspired by the works of the famous French sculptor Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824–1887), whose sculptural vocabulary is transposed here into a pair of candelabras of remarkable craftsmanship.

With their imposing proportions, rich decoration, and superb craftsmanship in bronze and marble, these candelabras form a particularly spectacular set, destined to become the focal point of a prestigious interior.

Reference: a similar piece was sold at Christie’s New York, lot 18, on April 13, 2017, for $211,500.

Dimensions:
Total height: 279.5 cm
Width: 71 cm
Depth: 69 cm

Candelabra:
Height: 201.5 cm
Diameter: 69 cm

Bases:
Height: 78 cm
Width: 71 cm
Depth: 62 cm