Exceptional And Rare Empire Chandelier - Crystal - Gilt Bronze And Patinated Brown - Period: XIXth

Exceptional and rare chandelier in crystal, gilded bronze and finely chiseled brown patinated bronze.

Its graceful structure is enhanced by a majestic central gilt bronze shaft composed of a patinated bronze globe, decorated with golden stars highlighted by a very beautiful satin flame-type glassware.

This set maintains with elegance and refinement, two magnificent cords of patinated bronze, each embellished with two majestic heads of goats supporting in the lower part a frosted cut crystal cup set by a crown of gilded and patinated bronze which reveals, from the back and from the front , four cornucopias encircling two sumptuous lion heads with open mouths.

On each side, two sconces in the shape of swans with outstretched wings support in their beaks, two lovely glassworks in the shape of tulips with frosted collars, where balance and lightness form a perfect alignment.
The whole is enhanced by a sumptuous golden bronze crown like an imperial jewel.

Period: Late 19th century
Style: Empire
Dimensions: Height: 72cm x Width: 88cm x Depth: 30cm

What symbols for this special order wanted by faithful to Emperor Bonaparte and passionate about occultism and in all respects.

The globe has been a symbol of sovereignty among Roman emperors since the reign of Caracalla. Napoleon commissioned his own, our globe haloed with twinkling stars also refers to the terrestrial and celestial globes, two Masonic symbols which bear witness to the scientific knowledge of the time about the shape of our planet and its place in the universe.

The goat symbolizes reproductive power, vital force, libido, fertility, is nocturnal and lunar, just like the lion which is both a symbol of power, strength, sovereignty (he is often represented as the guardian of the doors temples and palaces), magnanimity (he spares weak beasts).
He is also justice, like the lions of the throne of Solomon, of the throne of the kings of France, of the bishops in medieval times.

The military regime put in place by Napoleon Bonaparte also develops an unexpected counterpart with love and seduction.
This love symbol will be expressed through the swan, which refers to the Greek god Apollo.
The curvature of its collar embodies sensuality, as did the dolphin or the coiling of the serpent in the 18th century.

This piece remains exceptional by its rarity, its perfect preservation, its refinement in the carving of the bronzes but above all by the symbolism expressed.