Object Description
Gilt bronze Régence style antique chandelier
French, 19th Century
Height 85cm, diameter 96cm
This beautiful chandelier has been cast in gilt bronze, designed to reflect the light to maximum effect. It has four lights, which have foliate-form circular drip pans, and sit at the end of four scrolling arms in the form of acanthus leaves. It takes for its style that of the Régence period, which took place from 1715 to 1723, when Louis XV was considered still a minor and Phillippe d’Orleans ruled as regent in his stead.
Due to this, it is in an early Rococo manner, anticipating the later Louis XV style. The arms of the chandelier are also detachable, and the baluster, or support, of the chandelier – which is not wired – is fluted and mounted with dolphins, and above there are further gilt bronze mounts showing putti busts, shell motifs and acanthus leaf designs. The chandelier is surmounted by a cast leaf-like corona.