A rare pair of Transition Louis XV-Louis XVI gilt bronze candlesticks in the manner of Delafosse

Paris, Transition Louis XV-Louis XVI period, circa 1770

Height 30.5 cm; diameter of the base 16.7 cm

This pair of finely chased gilt bronze candlesticks counts among the finest created in Paris toward the end of the reign of Louis XV. It is clearly inspired by the new neoclassical style, which favoured motifs derived from classical antiquity. The stem of each candlestick is adorned with laurel swags maintained by volutes, with interlace motifs and beads. The nozzle, in the form of a vase with spreading foot, is decorated with chased leaves set against a matted ground; the drip pan is adorned with beading and gadroons with round motifs against a matted ground. The round shaped base has three protruding elements that are highlighted by rosettes; its decoration includes Greek key motifs, grooves and teardrop-shaped fluting.

The design of this pair of candlesticks relates to the preliminary drawings of Parisian designers of the second third of the 18th century, including Jean-François Forty, Jean-Louis Prieur (1759-1795), and Jean-Charles Delafosse (1734-1791). Delafosse, the most important designer and decorator of the period, was instrumental in the renaissance of bronze furnishings in France. (See the drawings reproduced in the exhibition catalogue El Gusto "a la griega", Nacimiento del Neoclasicismo francès, Madrid-Lisbonne, 2007-2008, p. 171, and G. Henriot, Le luminaire de la Renaissance au XIXème siècle, Paris, plate 169).

Comparable candlesticks include a pair bearing the mark "Département de la Maison du Roi", in the collection of the Mobilier National in Paris (illustrated in the exhibition catalogue Le château de Versailles raconte le Mobilier national, Quatre siècles de création, Musée national du château de Versailles, 2011, p. 229). A second model is in the Paris Musée des Arts décoratifs (illustrated in L. Metman, Le Musée des Arts décoratifs, Le bronze, 2e album: du milieu du XVIIIe siècle au milieu du XIXe siècle, Paris, plate CXIII, figure 1070).

A few identical examples are known, including candelabra with several branches. One such pair was formerly in the renowned Champalimaud collection (sold by Christie's, London, July 6-7, 2005, lot 156); another pair was sold at Sotheby's, Monaco, June 18, 1994, lot 93; a third example, probably the same as the above-mentioned piece, is in the Louvre Museum in Paris (Inv. OA 12177). To the best of our knowledge only one other identical pair of candlesticks is known to exist today (with very minor variations in the décor); it was included in the sale of the collection of the famous French couturier Hubert de Givenchy (sold by Christie's, Monaco, December 4, 1993).

Jean-Charles Delafosse (1734-1791) Architect, designer and painter