large pair of Empire candelabra with winged Victories, model by Rabiat

An exceptional pair of French Empire candelabra with Victories, crafted in gilded and patinated bronze, with five lights. They exemplify the refined artistry and exquisite craftsmanship of the Empire period. Masterfully sculpted in patinated bronze, each allegorical figure of Victory stands gracefully atop a gilded hemisphere. Flowing classical robes drape elegantly around their forms, cinched at the waist with a gilded sash adorned with stars, subtly accentuating the feminine silhouette. Their poised stance and outstretched wings evoke the spirit of triumph and classical harmony, a motif deeply rooted in Roman antiquity.


A five-light crown of lights rises above each figure, formed by an ornate ring adorned with floral patterns. Four cornucopia-shaped arms extend outward, symbolising abundance and prosperity, their scrolled embellishments seamlessly supporting the central fifth light. This sophisticated arrangement not only achieves a striking visual balance but also showcases the remarkable skill of the bronzier.


Resting on elegantly stepped quadrangular bases, the candelabra are supported by finely chiselled columns. Intricate detailing in the hair, drapery, and overall composition underscores the exceptional quality of the chiseling. Gilded surfaces, retaining their original mat and burnished mercury gilding, contrast beautifully with the rich, dark patina of the bronze figures, further enhancing the depth of the design.


Inspired by the work of Charles Percier (1764–1838) and Pierre François Léonard Fontaine (1762–1853), the chief architects and designers of the Napoleonic era, these masterpieces reflect the defining aesthetic of the period. Their seminal publication, “Recueil de décorations intérieures”, released at the close of the 18th century, laid the foundation for the Empire style that would shape European decorative arts in the first half of the 19th century. Winged Victories, a hallmark of Percier and Fontaine’s ornamental vocabulary, were seamlessly adopted by the leading bronze founders of the time.


The inspiration for these Victory figures traces back to classical antiquity, as seen in a comparable Roman model of Victory standing upon a sphere, now housed in the National Art Collection, Kassel, Germany. Revived through Napoleonic design, this classical archetype found widespread acclaim in the decorative arts of the Empire period.


This magnificent pair of French Empire candelabra is in an excellent state of preservation with their original mat and burnished mercury gilding.


Origin: Paris circa 1810.

Dimensions: Height: 63 cm (24.8?), Width: 26 cm (10.2?), Depth: 17.5 cm deep (6.9?).
Square base: 12.5 x 12.5 cm (4.9? x 4.9?).


Literature
- Giacomo & Rozenn Wannenes, “Les bronzes ornementaux et les objets montés de Louis XIV à Napoléon III”, Editions Vasor, Milan, 2004, p.376.
- H. Ottomeyer and P. Pröschel, “Vergoldete Bronzen”, Munich, 1986, p. 328 fig. 5.2.9, p.329 fig. 5.2.3.