Empire period antique French ormolu six light chandelier

Beautifully made around 1810 in France, the chandelier’s design encapsulates the refined and sophisticated Empire style popular at the time.

In the centre of the chandelier stands an angel, its hands raised high holding a ball. The dome on which the angel stands is decorated with scrolling and foliate patterns. Six swan-shaped arms superbly adorn the circumference of the chandelier. The swans’ necks extend to hold circular drip plates on which the candles light up. A delicate pinecone finial hangs from the base of each drip. A larger pinecone finial decorated with further floral and foliage patterns hangs from the base of the chandelier. All decoration is made from ormolu, also known as gilt bronze.

The top is surmounted by six feather-shaped ormolu pieces. Several chains of a geometric shape attach the top to the base and add another ornamental feature to this fine antique.

The Empire style emerged in France in the early 19th century during the rule of Emperor Napoleon I. It largely drew inspiration from Roman and Greek designs and the opulence associated with them. Symmetry was favoured by designers of the period, a stylistic feature clearly visible in the fine chandelier from Mayfair Gallery’s collection.

The refined design and sweet size make this early 19th century chandelier a wonderful addition to smaller interior settings.