Candelabrum (2) - Bronze - Napoleon III Candelabras

Pair of Napoleon III Bronze Candelabra - France, c. 1860–1880. An important pair of French candlesticks for five candles each, crafted in richly worked bronze, attributable to the Napoleonic III / Second Empire period, second half of the 19th century.

Monumental in scale and strongly decorative, they feature a symmetrical structure set on architectural quadrangular bases, raised on four molded feet. The bases are lavishly adorned with volutes, foliate scrolls, panels, pierced elements, oval reserves, leaves, and motifs inspired by Renaissance and Baroque styles.

The central body, urn-shaped, presents raised relief decoration and pierced side elements, extending into a vertical shaft structured by architectural ornaments. The upper part unfolds into four sinuous arms arranged around a central elevated fifth light, forming a balanced and highly striking ensemble.

The bobeches and candle nozzles feature engraved and relief decoration, maintaining the same ornamental repertoire as the rest of the piece. The richness of the casting, the complexity of the pierced elements, and the profusion of decoration give the pair a particularly scenographic presence.

The aesthetics align with French historicism of the Napoleon III period, when Parisian production freely drew on elements from the Louis XV, Louis XVI, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. In this example, neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque references predominate, combined with Rocaille-inspired details.

Due to its scale, ornamental richness, and high-quality casting work, this is a particularly decorative pair and representative of Second Empire French taste, suitable for a 19th-century decorative arts collection as well as classical or historicist interiors.

Origin: France
Period: Second half of the 19th century, circa 1860–1880
Style: Napoleon III / Second Empire, neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque taste
Material: Cast bronze
Number of lights: 5 per candelabrum
Dimensions: 46 × 23 × 23 cm each

Condition: good overall condition consistent with age and use, showing natural wear, oxidation and patina, small marks and age-related irregularities.