Potschappel, Carl Thieme - Candelabrum - Porcelain - candlestick

refined pair of antique porcelain and gilded bronze candelabras, purchased in the 1970s from the prestigious Passarelli-Pecorella ancient art gallery in Naples.

This is a typical Rococo style (or Louis XV) composition that blends the delicacy of artistic porcelain with the splendor of worked metal.
Subject: A pair of pastoral or rustic figures in idealized eighteenth-century dress (arcadian or bucolic style), very popular in the great European manufactories of the XVIII and XIX centuries. The characters represent a dimension linked to land and nature, interpreted here with extreme elegance.

Structure: Each candelabrum is built around a central porcelain figure, set in a rich mount in gilded bronze (or gilded metal alloy). From the back of the figure develops a tree-like structure in palm or fern leaf motifs that culminates in two side candle arms, each equipped with a bobeche (drip pan) and a worked stem.

Height: about 40 cm (including the upper metal structure).
The Hunter / Farmer
Attire: Wears a black hat with a narrow brim, a short cream-colored coat with small floral decorations and gold trim, a jeweled vest, a short gray-taupe skirt or jacket and short blue-violet culottes. White stockings and black shoes.

Attributes and Pose: Wears a crossbody bag or hunting bag (or seed bag) decorated with red and gold geometric motifs. Portrayed standing, leaning on the central porcelain tree trunk, with gaze directed outward.

2. The Popolana / Bread Baker
Attire: Wears a white headscarf tied around the head, a dark green corset over a white blouse with puffed sleeves, a white apron finely painted with small bouquets of colorful flowers, and a full pink antique-violet skirt with a dark edge.

Attributes and Pose: Holds in her hands a basket or tray containing loaves of bread or small fruit, caught in the act of offering them or moving delicately.

The Capodimonte Mark: At the center of the porcelain base, visible through the metal mounting’s opening, is stamped beneath the glaze with the famous blue “N” crowned by a five-pointed crown. This symbol identifies Capodimonte porcelain tradition. The sharpness of the blue line indicates careful, high-grade execution.

The Bronze Mounting: The metal base is a masterpiece of Rocaille-inspired alloy with asymmetric volutes, tracings, acanthus leaves, and faux rock elements. The gilding is well preserved and features a beautiful patina of time in the deepest parts, lending depth to the relief. In the center one can see the original mounting bolt that still securely joins the porcelain to its bronze structure.

Historically, these candelabras were used in pairs (pendants) to decorate fireplaces, consoles, or large dining tables in noble palaces. The combination of the brilliance of multicolored porcelain and the warmth of gilded bronze creates a striking visual contrast. The documented provenance from a historic Neapolitan gallery further attests to the excellent taste of the period when they were purchased.