Large Pair of French Empire Ormolu Winged Female Victory Candelabras

Object Description

Large, exceptional ormolu pair of candelabras featuring winged female personifications of Victory standing on bronze globes above neoclassical rectangular pedestals adorned at three sides with reliefs of stylised Grecian tripods. Each candelabra bears five scrolling branches modelled as cornucopia with removable nozzles which are held aloft by the winged female figures. The candelabras are very elaborately cast and chiseled, the fire gilding with mat and polished parts is excellently executed.

Object History

The pair of candelabras is based on a design by the French architect, interior decorator and designer Charles Percier (1764 – 1838), which he invented for the boudoir of Josephine Bonaparte at St.Cloud 1802. A pair of candelabras very similar to the one offered here was executed by the famous bronze-maker Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) – the outstanding quality of sculpting, chiseling and gilding displayed in our pair of candelabras allow them to be attributed to the workshop of Thomire.

Object Literature

Literature: Ottomeyer/Proeschel: Vergoldete Bronzen, 2 volumes, vol. I, p. 328, ill.5.2.1. and 5.2.2.

Object Condition

Very good- min. wear consistent with age and use – detailed condition report on request

Object Details