Chandelier with Eagle heads attributed to H. Vian, France, circa 1890

Important Louis XVI-inspired chandelier in gilded bronze with 18 lights. The baluster-shaped central shaft in blue enameled bronze is surmounted by a fluted rod in gilded bronze surrounded by intertwined laurel branches, topped with a leafy crown. It is lit by two rows of six and twelve sconces surmounted by eagle heads and adorned with foliage scrolls, attached by six chains to the crown. The base ends with acanthus leaves ending with a pine cone.

This chandelier is inspired by the creations of the engraver-gilder Pierre Gouthière (1732-1813), one of the greatest French bronze-casters recognized for his excellence which earned him to count among his customers Queen Marie-Antoinette, Madame Du Barry and even the Count of Artois.

Biography :
Henri Vian, a bronze-caster active in the second half of the 19th Century, made a lot of interior decorations with chimney mantelpieces, ormolu and patinated-mounted vases, chandeliers,… He produced articles of the highest quality. The business, located at 5 rue de Thorigny in Paris (the Salé Mansion, now the Picasso Museum), was continued by Madame Vian after her husband’s death in 1905.