Floral chandelier, attributed to Henri Vian

Beautiful eight-light chandelier in gilded and patinated bronze. The blue column central shaft is terminated at each end by an acanthus leaf capital; beaded chains run from the upper part to join the lower part. It supports eight curved light arms in leafy scrolls, richly decorated with porcelain flowers in the style of 18th-century Saxony workshops. The flared corolla nozzles receive the candles, while the chandelier is finished with an exotic fruit drop ending in three acorns.

BIOGRAPHY
Henri Vian, a bronzier active in the second half of the 19th century, produced numerous interior decorations: chimneypieces, bronze-mounted vases, chandeliers, balustrades... all of the highest quality. His signature is usually executed in cursive script, with the initial of his first name followed by his surname. On late works, only the two initials 'h.V.' appear. The firm, located at 5 rue de Thorigny in Paris (the Hôtel Salé, now the Musée Picasso), continued under the direction of Madame Vian following her husband's death in 1905.