Pair of large Napoleon III period silver candelabra

These wonderful silver candelabra showcase the brilliance and majesty of Napoleon III-era design in France in the mid-19th Century. The intricacy of some of the decorative features, created entirely in solid silver, is breathtaking, and point to a craftsman in his virtuosic prime.

The most masterful and endearing feature of these candelabra are the wild animal figures at the base of the candelabra stems. Giraffes and deer are shown grazing, in strikingly naturalistic poses, on naturalistic plinth bases which resemble lush grasslands. Below, the candelabra base is decorated with scrolls, dolphins, acanthus leaves, and a gold monogram reading 'JM'.

The central baluster-form candelabra support is likewise decorated with acanthus leaves and scrolls, from which leaves and fruit are shown hanging, and is surmounted by shells. It supports seven lights, which issue from scrolling branches. Each light features a removable glass storm shade, with a petal-form rim and engraved scrolls.

The candelabra each bear French silver hallmarks.

Height with glass shades 94cm
Height without glass shades 73cm