Pair of French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Seven-Light Candelabra

A particularly Fine impressive pair of large-scale Restauration period candelabra of the finest quality, in the manner of the celebrated Parisian bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751–1843).

Paris, circa 1820–1830 Height: 85 cm each

Each candelabrum rises from a concave-sided triangular base of richly veined rouge griotte marble, edged with a gilt-bronze bead-and-reel moulding, above which three boldly cast patinated bronze monopodia in the form of lion-paw feet support a gilt-bronze acanthus-wrapped knop. The tall fluted and tapered columnar shaft of patinated bronze is headed by an elaborately chased gilt-bronze capital with palmette and acanthus ornament, from which spring six sweeping patinated bronze candle arms, each enriched with fine foliate chasing and terminating in gilt-bronze vase-shaped nozzles with circular drip-pans. The arms are arranged around a taller central torch-light with a fluted trumpet-shaped nozzle. Between the arms, boldly modelled patinated bronze shield cartouches add a martial, neoclassical accent characteristic of the period.

The combination of fire-gilt and dark-patinated bronze. A technique perfected in the Parisian workshops of the early nineteenth century. Gives these candelabra an exceptional visual presence.

Comparable examples by Thomire et Cie were delivered to the Royal apartments at the Grand Trianon, Versailles, and are illustrated in the standard reference literature (Ledoux-Lebard, Le Grand Trianon, 1975, p. 128; Ottomeyer & Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, 1986, pl. 5.17.12).

Condition: Good overall patina consistent with age; gilt surfaces retaining much of their original brilliance.