A Magnificent Louis XVI Style Eighteen-Light Oval Figural Chandelier

Object Description

A Magnificent Louis XVI Style Gilt-Bronze, Moulded and Cut-Crystal Eighteen-Light Oval Figural Chandelier, Firmly Attributed to Maison Mottheau et Fils.

This large and impressive chandelier is of oval form with an acanthus cast corona above an open frame with a garlanded circlet, above a finely cast gilt-bronze basket frame of graduated beads, issuing from its rim a ‘torch en flambeau’ amongst four ribbon tied foliate candlearms to the front and back, and to the sides superb female cast figural supports with a further four scrolling candlearms terminating in fluted drip tray and sconces, the chandelier hung all over with moulded spires, faceted slab drops, pear drops and rosettes.

Fitted with a further five interior lights to the basket and a flambeau shaded light beneath the upper circlet.

French, Circa 1900.

Object History

Of exceptional quality with superbly cast gilt-bronze and ambitious design; this important chandelier is firmly attributed to the important Parisian firm of Maison Mottheau et Fils. Known for their distinctive style and elaborate designs, Maison Mottheau exhibited a closely related basket chandelier at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900.

Object Literature

Literature:
The Art Journal, The Paris Exhibition 1900 – An Illustrated Record of its Art, Architecture and Industries, London, 1900; p. 155.

Object Details