Pair of Louis XVI period candelabra, circa 1775

Presenting an exquisite pair of large, mercury-gilded four-light candelabra from the Louis XVI period, inspired by a design by the renowned sculptor Etienne-Maurice Falconet (1716-1791). These stunning pieces feature gracefully sculpted nymphs, each holding a cornucopia brimming with fruits and flowers. Rising from each cornucopia is a bouquet of four lights: three elegantly scrolled branches adorned with acanthus leaves and rosettes, and a fourth light at the centre. Each candle holder is embellished with delicately crafted ribbon-tied pearl garlands and foliate details, crowned by a pearl-rimmed bobeche and set upon a drip dish adorned with cascading leaf motifs.


The nymphs are masterfully sculpted, with their hair styled in an intricate coiffure, secured by a headband. They are draped in classical garments that partially reveal their torsos, beautifully highlighting their sensual forms. The figures are poised on circular white marble bases, adorned with festoon draperies and laurel garlands, which rest on square plinths.


This rare and impressive pair of French candelabra takes inspiration from Falconet’s work, echoing designs that appear in the margins of the 1761 Salon brochure, as drawn by Saint-Aubin (see Ottomeyer and Pröschel for reference).


In superb condition, these candelabra retain their original mercury gilding, a testament to their exceptional preservation.


Origin: Paris, Louis XVI period circa 1775

Dimensions: Height 69 cm (27.2?), Width 26 cm (10.2?), Depth 24 cm (9.5?). Size of the base: 13 x 13 cm (5.1? x 5.1?)


Etienne-Maurice Falconet (1716-1791)
Etienne-Maurice Falconet was a celebrated French sculptor who masterfully blended the grandeur of the Baroque with the elegance and intimacy of the Rococo style. Best known for his refined mythological and genre sculptures, Falconet was a favourite of Madame de Pompadour, who appointed him director of the sculpture studios at the prestigious Sèvres porcelain factory in 1757. During his tenure, he created exquisite models for the factory, including iconic figures like Venus and Cupid, and a series of graceful nude bathers.


Falconet trained under the eminent sculptor Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne and was inducted into the French Royal Academy in 1754, soon earning royal and official patronage. His career reached new heights in 1766 when Catherine the Great of Russia, on the recommendation of philosopher Denis Diderot, invited him to St. Petersburg. There, Falconet crafted his most famous work, the monumental equestrian statue of Peter the Great, unveiled in 1782. This powerful and dynamic portrayal is regarded as one of the most significant equestrian sculptures of the era, cementing Falconet’s legacy as a key figure in 18th-century European art.


Literature
- H. Ottomeyer, P. Proschel et al., ” Vergoldete Bronzen – Die Bronzearbeiten des Spätbarock und Klassizismus“, Munich, 1986, Vol. I, p. 254, fig. 4.7.1