Pair of Large Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Victory Sculptures Candelabras

Object Description

A large and important pair of ormolu and patinated bronze candelabras with winged female personifications of Victory dressed in diaphanous ancient Greek-style robes gathered by a sash under their breasts, their exquisite feathered wings flowing behind them. Each Victory stands on a rectangular bombé neoclassical pedestal with gilt and patined bronze elements, the plinth and the center of the base being richly decorated with neoclassical swan vignettes, leaf and floral reliefs and rosettes. Above her head each Victory is holding a vase with acanthus leaf relief which is filled richly with flowers and fruits. From the vase issue four candle arms with acanthus leaf scrolls and removable nozzles as well as a central upright gilt bronze candle branch.
The candelabras are excellently cast and chiseled, the ormolu shows mat and polished parts and contrasts effect fully with the patinated areas of the candelabras.

Object History

A comparable pair of candelabras with quite similar Victory figures was executed by the famous bronze-maker Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) 1832 for the Grand Trianon in Versailles, the excellent quality of sculpting, chiselling and gilding of the pair of candelabras offered here may also attribute them to the Thomire et Cie..

Object Literature

Ottomeyer/Pröschel: Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich 1986, 2. vol., vol. 1, p. 392, fig. 5.17.9.

Object Condition

Very good, minor wear consistent with age and use, minor fading, the patinated parts of the candelabras show a slight variation in colour due to age and use – detailed condition report on request

Object Details