Maison Graux-Marly, Chandelier with musicians Putti, France, Circa 1860

Important twelve-light chandelier from the Napoleon III period, in gilt and patinated bronze. The central shaft is adorned with a collar of acanthus leaves surrounding a patinated bronze sphere embellished with olive-leaf scrolls. Four sculpted putti in the round, with patinated bronze bodies and outstretched gilt wings, sound trumpets and support the branching arms of light. Richly chased, the arms feature palmettes, scrolling foliage, rosettes and ornamental scrollwork, terminating in circular drip pans decorated with foliage, gadrooned candle cups and candles. Pendant ornaments in the form of tassel-shaped finials complete this elaborate and richly decorated piece.

BIOGRAPHY

The Graux-Marly firm, a founder and publisher active during the second half of the 19th century, produced remarkable art and furnishing bronzes: fireplace garnitures, candelabra, clocks, and high-quality statues. Awarded prizes at the Universal Exhibitions of Paris and London, the company collaborated closely with great sculptors such as Carpeaux, Barye, and Carrier-Belleuse. Its signature or foundry mark appears in the form of "GRAUX-MARLY" or "GRAUX-MARLY FRÈRES", often accompanied by the address of its Parisian workshops, notably "rue du Parc-Royal" from 1860 onwards. After the retirement and subsequent death of Jules Graux, the company continued its production under the direction of his sons from 1880 onwards.