A pair of Russian gilt and patinated bronze oil lamps, second quarter 19th century

The quality and style of the finely chased bronze work on the present would suggest that these wonderful lamps originate from Russia in the second quarter of the 19^th century.

The shape of the candelabra and choice of stylized foliage to decorate the shaft was widespread during the Restauration period in France and a drawing for a candlestick from 1840s in the Russian State Historical Archive, St. Petersburg indicate Russian craftsmen were similarly aware and keen to use this design (see Igor Sychev, Russian Bronze, 2003, p. 162). The figure of the swan at the base is found in Russian furniture and decorative pieces of the time, especially in the form of mounts on vases, candelabra, wall lights and chandeliers.

The swan as a decorative motif within the decorative arts was significant from the early 19^th century from the Consulat period onwards in France and its use spread beyond Europe to Russia later in the 19^th century. Symbolic enduring love and grace, these beautiful swans are found in the Percier’s and Fontaine’s Recueil de décorations intérieures (first published in 1801) which became the reference book for designers in the first half of the 19th century (see pl. 19 and pl. 24).

A pair of candelabra with similar bases was sold at Sotheby’s, Amsterdam, 21 November 2007, lot 300.