Pair of three-light candelabra

During the eighteenth century, gilt bronze was used extensively for different types of lighting, ranging from wall sconces, chandeliers and lanterns to freestanding candlesticks and candelabra. The exuberantly asymmetrical design of these gilt-bronze candelabra is a variation of a model by Juste-Aurèle Meissonnier (1695–1750), one of the leading Rococo designers. Active also as architect, painter, and silversmith to Louis XV, Meissonnier rendered three drawings for a candlestick with a loosely spiraling stem. Meissonnier’s design, engraved by Gabriel Huquier (1695–1772) and published in Dousième Livre des oeuvres de J.A. Meissonnier: chandeliers de sculpture en argent (1734–35), became very popular and was executed in both silver and gilt bronze.



Incorporating shells, floral sprays and a blank cartouche in a whirlwind of motion, as seen in Meissonnier’s design, the French count’s coronet featured on the stem of these candelabra may have been a special request of the original owner.



Three scrolling branches emerge from the twisting stem, and are fitted with candleholders in the shape of spiraling foliage and drip pans resembling leaf-like forms.



In the era before gas lighting and electricity, candles played a principal role in illuminating the interior of a house. The number of candles lit was an indication of the wealth and status of the owner; beeswax candles burned clean and smelt pleasant compared to those made of tallow, and were quite expensive.