Pair Of Large Silver Candelabra, Hanau, Late 19th Century

Provenance

A pair of large silver candelabra from Hanau, a major German center of silversmithing that was particularly active in the production of historicist pieces during the second half of the 19th century. Both candelabra bear the “13” hallmark, corresponding to the traditional fineness of 13 lots. Their composition, rich ornamental vocabulary, and deliberately historicist style are fully in keeping with Hanau’s late 19th-century production.

Description

This imposing pair of three-armed candelabra features a particularly elaborate design, inspired by Baroque and Rococo models from the 17th and 18th centuries. Each piece rests on a broad, heavily molded tripod base, adorned with volutes, rocaille motifs, and acanthus leaves. The shaft, composed of several successive baluster elements, alternates between domed surfaces, constrictions, and deeply carved foliage motifs.

The upper section features three sinuous arms arranged around a central axis. The design of the arms combines generous curves, scrollwork, and plant motifs. The ends are particularly remarkable for their lion figures in the round, integrated beneath the lampshades and constituting one of the piece’s main decorative elements. The candle holders and wide cups are also shaped with dynamic contours and motifs inspired by Baroque goldsmithing.

The top is crowned with a flame-shaped element, reinforcing the verticality of the composition. The arms are removable: once removed, each of the two candelabra can be used as a large single-light candlestick, a feature that is both functional and typical of this type of ceremonial piece.

The pair stands out for the richness of its modeling, the quality of its details, and the balance between the monumentality of the shaft and the movement of the arms.

Total weight of the pair: 3,158 g.

Technique and Materials

Worked, repoussé, chased, and cast silver, with assembled elements and parts in the round. Fineness mark “13” corresponding to the old standard of 13 lots. The various parts display particularly meticulous craftsmanship, notably in the acanthus ornaments, the rocaille motifs, the profiles of the bases, and the lion figures.

Date

Hanau, Germany, late 19th century. The Neo-Baroque decorative style, enriched with Neo-Rococo elements, combined with the use of the “13” hallmark in a historicist context, is characteristic of Hanau goldsmithing from this period.

Condition

In good overall condition, with signs of use and a light patina consistent with the age and nature of the object. The various detachable components are preserved and allow the pieces to be used either as three-armed candelabras or as individual candlesticks.

Use and Purpose

With a height of 63 cm and their striking decorative presence, these candelabra were intended for a prestigious interior. Today, they can be displayed on a large table, a console table, a mantelpiece, or a sideboard, either in their complete configuration or as a pair of large candlesticks.

Dimensions

height - 63 cm
width - 38 cm
depth - 30 cm