A Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Cherub Twelve-Light Chandelier

Object Description

A Fine Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze Cherub Twelve-Light Chandelier, after the model by Pierre Gouthière for Marie Antoinette.

French, Circa 1870.

The chandelier having elaborate acanthus scrolling arms issued from a classical torch stem surmounted by three perching ignipotent cherubs blowing trumpets beneath a finely cast gilt-bronze flame finial.

The original model for this Chandelier was designed by Pierre Gouthière for Le Cabinet Doré in Marie-Antoinette’s private apartments at the Palace of Versailles, where it remains to this day. A design for the chandelier by Gouthière survives in the collections of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.

The model continued to be popular throughout the nineteenth century and examples are recorded by important makers such as Henry Dasson and Maison Beurdeley.

Object History

Ottomeyer, Hans & Pröschel, Peter. Vergoldete Bronzen, Vol. I, Klinkhardt & Biermann, (Munich), 1986; p. 238, figs. 4.4.1. and 4.4.2.

Object Literature

Pierre Gouthière (1732 – 1813) son of a saddle maker, rose to become the most famous Parisian bronze chaser and gilder of the late 1700s, receiving commissions from some of the leading connoisseurs of his day. Like many successful apprentices, he married the widow of his first employer and took over his establishment. Success came quickly, and in November 1767 he received the title of doreur du roi (Gilder to the King) from Louis XV. Gouthière also supplied works to the Comte d’Artois, the Marquis de Marigny, and the marchand mercier Dominique Daguerre, among others.

Gouthière was a master of chasing and invented a new type of gilding that left a matte finish. He combined polished with matte finishes to create varied effects on the surfaces of his bronzes. He made many types of objects, including furniture mounts, ornaments for mantelpieces and coaches, and mounts for porcelain or marble vases.

Object Details