Pair of marble, gilt and patinated bronze candelabra

The candelabra are of identical form, both being designed in a grand Neoclassical style. They stand on square black marble plinths, with waisted and fluted tops. Each plinth is set on four ormolu (gilt bronze) foliate paw feet, and decorated with foliate and fluted ormolu banding. The candelabra stems take the form of classical amphora vases, crafted from patinated bronze. These vase-shaped stems have gadrooned bases and tops, and ovoid bodies decorated with relief depictions of women in classical dress. Each vase is mounted with two handles, cast as looping pieces of drapery. The ormolu candelabra lights spring from the mouths of the vases. Each candelabrum features seven scrolling branches, arranged on three levels and draped with foliage swags. These branches terminate in wide drip-pans, and tall urn-shaped capitals with foliate bases, fluted bodies and egg-and-dart sconces.

Both candelabra are signed ‘F. Barbedienne’ at the base of the vases. Ferdinand Barbedienne was an important bronzier who owned and directed one of the most famous foundries of the Belle Époque in France. Items produced by Barbedienne were highly fashionable in the 19th Century, and they continue to be so today.