Large antique twenty-four light crystal chandelier by Baccarat

This spectacular chandelier is crafted from cut glass by the prestigious glassware maker Baccarat. The chandelier is filled with ornate detailing that exemplifies why Baccarat has a reputation for exceptional quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Baccarat first began making fine crystal glassware in the mid-18^th Century under the reign of King Louis XV of France, who gave permission for glassworks to be founded in the town Baccarat, Lorraine. Since 1823, the company has been called upon with commissions from royalty and heads of state from around the world and has become synonymous with wealth, luxury, and grandeur. The pieces remain highly prized, and take prominence in today’s museums, collections, and exhibitions.

The chandelier is comprised of twenty-four lights arranged on two tiers, which extend from the central cut-glass column on curving S-scroll arms. The light fixtures sit inside tiered floral bobeches, which are variously signed ‘Baccarat’, and from these drip-pans hang spear-shaped pendants. At the bases of the arms, small crystal flowers decorate the bottom bowl. The detailing on these elements is particularly fine, exploiting the beautiful properties of the glass.

Beneath the fluted top canopy of the chandelier is an additional ornamental tier: two tiers of scrolls extend downwards, which each connect to a beautiful column of tulip shades and speared pendants, creating an illusory falling effect. As with the lower tiers, the base of each scroll features further ornamental decoration, here in the form of a glass rosette. A further canopy sits in between the bottom tiers of lights and the top ornamental tiers, beautifully etched in a similar foliate design.

With superb decoration, this sensational chandelier would undoubtedly add a touch of luxury to any home.