Pair French Napoleon III Candlesticks – c. 1860–1870- Cicada Relief - Candlestick - Brass
06
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11
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28
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37
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Current bid
€ 2
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Anna Hue-Roques
Holds bachelor's degrees in Law and Art History with an Ecole du Louvre auctioneer diploma.
Estimate € 170 - € 200
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Pair of antique French Napoleon III candlesticks in brass with black stone bases, featuring high-relief cicada decorations, dating to ca. 1860–1870, about 23 cm high, 11 cm square bases, and total weight around 1.35 kg in excellent condition.
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Description from the seller
Pair of Antique French Napoleon III Candlesticks – Brass, Black Stone & Cicada Relief – c. 1860–1870
A striking and unusual pair of French Napoleon III candlesticks, dating to approximately 1860–1870. The elegant neoclassical design combines polished brass with contrasting black stone bases and richly detailed cast decoration.
The pair stands out for its high-relief, finely detailed cast cicadas or beetles, integrated into the faceted upper baluster stems. In 19th-century French decorative arts, insect motifs carried strong symbolic associations. The cicada in particular was associated with luck, heat and southern French folklore, making this an especially distinctive decorative feature.
Further details include fluted urn-shaped candle cups, palmette and floral ornamentation, tapered stems and elaborate tripod bases with decorative feet. The contrast between the warm polished brass and deep black stone creates a particularly elegant Napoleon III appearance.
The candlesticks are in excellent antique condition. They have been carefully cleaned, polished and treated with protective wax, while retaining attractive age-related character.
Specifications
Object: Pair of candlesticks
Style: French Napoleon III / Second Empire
Period: Approx. 1860–1870
Country of origin: France
Materials: Brass and black natural stone
Height: Approx. 23 cm each
Base: Approx. 11 × 11 cm
Combined weight: Approx. 1.35 kg
A highly decorative and rare pair with an exceptional combination of black stone, gilded brass and insect symbolism.
Seller's Story
We are a passionate team of skilled collectors dedicated to sourcing truly unique and rare vintage pieces. On Catawiki, we showcase only our finest finds. Carefully curated, lovingly selected, and offered with the lowest possible shipping rates as a service to our buyers.
Every item is professionally packed the very next day and shipped via registered mail for a safe and reliable delivery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help.
Pair of Antique French Napoleon III Candlesticks – Brass, Black Stone & Cicada Relief – c. 1860–1870
A striking and unusual pair of French Napoleon III candlesticks, dating to approximately 1860–1870. The elegant neoclassical design combines polished brass with contrasting black stone bases and richly detailed cast decoration.
The pair stands out for its high-relief, finely detailed cast cicadas or beetles, integrated into the faceted upper baluster stems. In 19th-century French decorative arts, insect motifs carried strong symbolic associations. The cicada in particular was associated with luck, heat and southern French folklore, making this an especially distinctive decorative feature.
Further details include fluted urn-shaped candle cups, palmette and floral ornamentation, tapered stems and elaborate tripod bases with decorative feet. The contrast between the warm polished brass and deep black stone creates a particularly elegant Napoleon III appearance.
The candlesticks are in excellent antique condition. They have been carefully cleaned, polished and treated with protective wax, while retaining attractive age-related character.
Specifications
Object: Pair of candlesticks
Style: French Napoleon III / Second Empire
Period: Approx. 1860–1870
Country of origin: France
Materials: Brass and black natural stone
Height: Approx. 23 cm each
Base: Approx. 11 × 11 cm
Combined weight: Approx. 1.35 kg
A highly decorative and rare pair with an exceptional combination of black stone, gilded brass and insect symbolism.
Seller's Story
We are a passionate team of skilled collectors dedicated to sourcing truly unique and rare vintage pieces. On Catawiki, we showcase only our finest finds. Carefully curated, lovingly selected, and offered with the lowest possible shipping rates as a service to our buyers.
Every item is professionally packed the very next day and shipped via registered mail for a safe and reliable delivery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Manufacturer/brand
Pair French Napoleon III Candlesticks – c. 1860–1870- Cicada Relief
Weight
1.35 kg
Style subtype
Napoleon III
Country of origin
France
Material
Brass
Style
Antique
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
23 cm
Width
11 cm
Depth
111 cm
Estimated period
late 19th - early 20th
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