Pair of Candlesticks – France Henri II

This elegant pair of gilded brass candlesticks is fully in keeping with the Henri II aesthetic, characteristic of French decorative arts from the mid-16th century. It is distinguished by its structured, rigorous, and balanced composition, directly inspired by antique models rediscovered during the Renaissance.

Chaque bougeoir est surmonté d’un binet cylindrique mouluré, sobrement décoré, destiné à recevoir la bougie. Contrairement à des modèles privilégiant une finalité essentiellement utilitaire, aucun orifice d’évacuation de la cire n’est visible. Cela correspond à une conception plus formelle et décorative de l’objet, privilégiant l’harmonie des formes à l’aspect strictement pratique.

The slender, solidly proportioned shaft takes the form of a fluted column, giving the whole a sense of solidity and controlled verticality. The column ends in a quadrangular base, a marked geometric transition between the shaft and the base. The whole rests on a large circular molded base with a stepped profile, ensuring the stability of the candlestick and giving the gilded brass a subtle play of light and reflections.

The Henri II style corresponds to a mature phase of the Renaissance in France, during the reign of Henri II (1547–1559). It is characterized by the systematic adoption of ancient orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian), incorporated not only into monumental architecture but also into objets d’art and furniture.

The production of gilded brass candlesticks was also part of the revival of Renaissance metalworking techniques. Gilded brass, a noble and durable material, was particularly prized for its resistance to wear and tear and for its rich patina, which improves with age.

With its balanced proportions, high-quality cast iron, and clear architectural language, this pair of Henri II-style candlesticks is a refined example of French Renaissance aesthetics. It perfectly illustrates how 16th-century decorative arts incorporated classical Antiquity models into functional objects, giving them a lasting sculptural and symbolic dimension.