Monumental pair of torchieres, Paris, Louis XIV period

Rare pair of large torchiere holders in silvered and gilded leaf wood.
Model with tripod legs ending in acanthus scrolls supported by lion paws.
The front is delicately carved with stylized shells and metalwork-shaped lambrequins.
The baluster barrels are separated by hexagonal faceted rosettes; they are carved with bouquets of flowers and sunflowers.
The upper parts are decorated with cups with palmette bases and gadroon friezes.

Beautiful state of conservation of the barrels.
The oxidized silver leaves, with gaps, retouching and traces of gilding (may have been two-tone originally).

Parisian work from the Louis XIV period, 17th century.

Dimensions:

Height: 174cm; Width: 48cm; Depth: 48 cm


Our opinion :

In addition to its monumental format, the pair of torch holders that we are presenting have a particularly rich form and decorative repertoire.
The baluster shape which is made up of several triangular and hexagonal elements is of rare complexity.
The power of the decor, with these lambrequins, these bouquets of flowers, these lion paws... is characteristic of the best Louis XIV style.
All of the elements can be compared to the drawings of the ornamentalist Daniel Marot (1661-1752).
This type of torchiere was also found in civil buildings such as palaces where they were used to illuminate vestibules, staircases or galleries, but also in large buildings such as cathedrals.
The use of silver leaf is typical of the very end of the 17th century, it is an evocation of the large silver furniture that King Louis XIV owned in Versailles and which fascinated the whole of Europe.