Pair Of Louis XVI Silver-plated Bronze Candlesticks – 18th Century

An elegant pair of Louis XVI period candlesticks, finely cast, chased and silver-plated bronze, dating from the last quarter of the 18th century, circa 1775–1785.
This particularly attractive model is distinguished by its fine proportions, richly detailed Neoclassical ornamentation and the remarkable quality of its chasing, which brings out the precision and variety of the decorative motifs.
Each candlestick stands on a broad circular base, bordered with bundles of reeds bound together by foliate ties, recalling the Roman fasces, a classical symbol of authority. Above this are finely moulded borders and beaded bands.
The spreading, bell-shaped foot is decorated with radiating flutes, enriched with delicately chased ears of wheat descending from their upper sections.
This decorative motif is repeated on the tapering stems, where stylised ears of wheat rise from the lower sections of the vertical fluting.
The upper part of each stem is ornamented with further bundles of reeds tied with ribbons, creating a harmonious continuation of the decoration found on the bases.
Each stem supports an elegant ovoid vase decorated with alternating gadroons, finely moulded borders and beaded ornament. The candlesticks are surmounted by removable drip pans, also decorated with beaded rims.
The rich ornamental vocabulary, combining classical fasces, ears of wheat, fluting, gadroons, ribbons and beaded borders, perfectly illustrates the Neoclassical taste that flourished during the reign of Louis XVI.
Inspired by the decorative arts of ancient Greece and Rome, this style favoured architectural forms, symmetry and classical motifs. The ears of wheat, traditionally associated with Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture and harvests, symbolise abundance and prosperity.
Particular attention should be paid to the quality of the bronze work. The decorative elements have been meticulously finished by hand-chasing, with carefully defined outlines, finely worked backgrounds and crisp, well-articulated reliefs. This precision gives the ornamentation exceptional clarity and depth.
The manufacturing technique is equally interesting and reflects the craftsmanship of 18th-century French bronziers.
The stems and their upper vases were cast in two longitudinal sections, subsequently joined and carefully finished by chasing before being silver-plated. The original joining lines remain visible on the inside, providing an interesting insight into the traditional methods of bronze production.
Both candlesticks are constructed from several components assembled by a screw-fitting system and can be completely dismantled.
The pair retains its removable drip pans and displays an attractive aged silver-plated finish, with subtle variations in tone that beautifully emphasise the finely chased decoration.
A particularly fine pair of Louis XVI period candlesticks, combining elegant proportions, sophisticated Neoclassical ornamentation and excellent 18th-century French bronze craftsmanship.
Period: Louis XVI, last quarter of the 18th century, circa 1775–1785.
Material: Chased and silver-plated bronze.
Dimensions:
Height: 28.5 cm (11.22 in)
Base diameter: 14.2 cm (5.59 in)