Magnificent Pr. Louis XVI Gilt-Bronze White Marble Candelabras with Maidens

Description

Magnificent Pair of Late 18th Century Louis XVI Gilt-Bronze Mounted White Marble Candelabra with Maiden Figures Each candelabrum is formed as a vertically oriented, multi tiered structure centered on a white marble vase base. The marble body has an ovoid profile with a fluted neck and a spreading foot, rising from a square gilt bronze plinth with linear borders. Gilt bronze mounts encircle the lower and upper sections of the marble, including a leaf wrapped collar at the base and a band of applied foliate scrollwork across the shoulder. From the top of the vase emerges a cast gilt bronze stem enriched with acanthus leaves and fruit clusters, supporting scrolling candle arms arranged symmetrically around a central shaft. Each arm terminates in a circular drip pan and a fluted candle socket. Eagle head terminals project from the upper structure, integrated into the junctions of the arms and stem. The decorative program centers on paired female figures positioned on opposite sides of each marble vase. These maidens are cast in gilt bronze and shown in classical drapery, seated against the marble body with bent knees and lowered heads. Their garments are rendered with linear folds, and their hair is arranged in banded waves drawn back from the face. The figures are framed by scrolling foliage and tied leaf motifs that extend across the marble surface. Above them, the gilt bronze mounts include fruit, with grapes, berries arranged in clustered relief beneath a beaded rim. Additional fruit forms appear at the base of the upper stem, interspersed with acanthus leaves and bound elements. The candelabra are constructed from white marble and finely cast gilt bronze, with the metal elements fitted and secured as applied mounts to the stone core. The bronze surfaces display a uniform gilded finish across structural and decorative components, including the arms, figures, animal heads, and base mounts. The pair is conceived as a matched set, with mirrored arrangement of figures, arms, and ornament on each example. An identical model is recorded at Hackwood Park, the English estate of the Duke of Bolton, documenting the design within late eighteenth century French production of monumental decorative lighting objects. The refined casting, precise fitting of the gilt bronze mounts, and the consistency of the sculptural and architectural elements indicate a high level of production quality and place this pair among the more substantial examples of its type. Paris Circa late 1700’s to early 1800’s France Later wired for electricity in the mid 1900’s

Details

Dimensions