Crystal and Gilt Bronze Chandelier from the Directoire Period

Majestic Directoire Period Bag-of-Pearls Chandelier in Finely Chiseled Gilt Bronze and Cut Crystal, Already Foretelling the Empire Style.

This chandelier stands out for its elegance and the quality of its chiseling. At the top, a crown alternately sculpted with laurel and acanthus leaves supports boxwood branches adorned with delicate blossoms at their tips. Long garlands of cut crystal beads gracefully descend from the crown, converging into a bowl that forms a dazzling bag-of-pearls design.

The central ring is adorned with eight diamond-cut crystal rosettes, each encircled by a gilt bronze abundance wreath, held by a ribboned arch. The ring itself features intertwined laurel branches tied with a knot, while eight Aeolus sun heads appear to blow light into the space. The eight candle arms, finely chiseled with acanthus leaves, elegantly hold the candle holders.

At the center of the chandelier, a gilt bronze sphere supports the main ring through four gilded bronze branches, each adorned with a feline head. The entire piece is crowned by a finely crafted gilt bronze finial, enriched with laurel leaves, branches, acanthus motifs, and delicate flowers encased within a beehive pattern.