Large ormolu and onyx candelabrum by Cahieux and Barbedienne

Barbedienne, Ferdinand (French, 1810-1892)

Sold

This item is no longer available.

Please contact Mayfair Gallery, via the link below, if you would like us to help you source a similar product.

Questions about this piece?

Description

This Grecian style twelve-light candelabrum has a vase form body and is set on a rectangular white, red-veined onyx pedestal.

The candelabrum is raised off the ground by an onyx pedestal, which is articulated by an ormolu beaded edge and decorated with classically-inspired leaves cast in ormolu. This base is set on four toupie feet.

The main body of the candelabrum takes the form of a Grecian loutrophoros vase, which has an elegant, elongated neck and twin handles. In ancient Greece, these vases were used to carry water, traditionally for a bride's pre-nuptial bath and in funeral rites. It is possible that the imitative relief carving, which shows a woman pouring water into a shallow dish, carried by a man holding a staff, relates to one of these rituals. Aside from the figures, the vase is ornamented with flower garlands, scroll-work and fluting. From the shoulders of the vase spring two handles, which extend upwards to form classical female masks.

Crowning the vase, above a fluted neck, is a bowl of up-turned acanthus leaves, from which the twelve lights of the candelabra spring. These lights have been cast as the unfurling branches and leaves of an acanthus plant. The thin arms curl up to form the lights, which are each given a skirt of down-folded acanthus leaves, and topped by a capital featuring fluting and banding.

The body of the candelabrum is signed 'F. Barbedienne, Fondeur' and 'Henry Cahieux'. Cahieux was head decorator at the famous Barbedienne bronze foundry in France. He was a chief exponent of the Grecian style, and he submitted several designs to the Paris Salons of 1850 and 1853.

Details

Artist / Maker
Barbedienne, Ferdinand (French, 1810-1892)
Country of Origin
French
Date of Manufacture
Late 19th Century
Period
Late 19th Century
Style
Classical, Neoclassical
Material
Onyx, Ormolu (Gilt Bronze)
Colour
Gold, White

Dimensions

Height
107 cm / 42.1 inches
Width
45 cm / 17.7 inches
Depth
45 cm / 17.7 inches

Reference:
008314

Free International Shipping

This item qualifies for free international shipping, inclusive of professional packing and insurance.
Terms and conditions apply.