Boin-Masson - "Cupids" Chandelier, France circa 1880

Charming gilded and patinated bronze chandelier composed of nine branches ending with illuminating roses. The central lattice basket of pearls and crystal rosettes supports three seated cherubs carrying luminous torches. The whole is suspended by ribboned uprights ending in a ceiling light with openwork foliage decoration.

A “B M” mark with a workshop number (019) indicates a stamp from the Boin-Masson firm, a Parisian bronze worker active in the late 19th century and precursor of the Boin-Taburet house.

Commentary :
The Boin-Masson firm emerged in Paris during the Second Empire, at a time when major artistic bronze workshops were flourishing (Barbedienne, Beurdeley, Christofle, etc.). Boin-Masson was founded through the partnership of Alexandre Boin and Étienne Masson, both master ornamentalists working with gilded bronze, crystal mounts, and decorative chiselling inspired by the 18th century. The firm established itself in the bronziers’ district of Paris, first on rue Amelot and later on rue Chapon. Their pieces are signed or marked “B M” followed by a workshop number. Toward the end of the 19th century (circa 1880–1900), the firm passed into the hands of Georges Boin and Émile Taburet, becoming the Boin-Taburet company.

Sconces, chandeliers, candlesticks and other candelabra, which illuminate the rooms, grow considerably during the seventeenth century. Although already existing in the 17th century, the word “chandelier” was only used late because until the 18th century in the old inventories, the chandelier is designated by the word “candlestick”. Their refinement attests to the social status of their owner. At the end of the 19th century, major firms such as Barbedienne, Beurdeley, Christofle, and Boin-Masson / Boin-Taburet specialized in mounts inspired by the 18th century, but reinterpreted in accordance with the Second Empire taste.