A pair of Louis XVI gilt-bronze three-light candelabra, in the manner of Jean-Charles Delafosse, last quarter 18th century

H. Ottomeyer, P. Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Vol. I, Munchen, 1986, p. 186, figs. 393 and 394.

The highly elaborate design of these candelabras evokes the projects of architects and ornamentalists such as Jean-Louis Prieur, Victor Louis and Jean-Charles Delafosse. It is probably the name of the latter that should be remembered as the originator of the model, if we are to believe a drawing showing a project for a candelabra where we find certain similarities with our pair, particularly in the termination of the arms. The composition is rigorously symmetrical, perfectly balanced despite having three candlearms, and designed so that the object can be appreciated from any angle. Stylistically, it asserts a certain rigor linked to the influence of Greek taste and inspired by Louis XIV classicism and even a reminiscence of certain projects by André-Charles Boulle. A pair of candelabras of this model is in the Jones collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London (985-1882). The arms are framed by a garland of laurel leaves and the base has no feet.