A pair of important gilded bronze candelabra attributed to Denière, based on Dugourc

An impressive pair of seven-light candelabra in finely chiseled bronze gilded with mercury, mounted on a white marble base. They feature rich neoclassical decoration; each candelabra consists of a large central vase decorated with friezes of oculi, garlands of flowers and foliage, from which rise seven lights arranged around a central shaft topped by a fluted vase with lion heads. The elegant arms, adorned with plant scrollwork, support antique-style crater-shaped candle holders decorated with beaded garlands. The entire piece rests on a substantial tripod base with Ionic consoles, embellished with acanthus leaves, grape clusters, rosettes, and cascading garlands, set upon a sculpted white marble base adorned with gilded bronze inlays.

Each candelabra consists of approximately 40 independent elements, assembled with wrought-iron screws and hand-threaded rods—a technique typical of 18th-century craftsmanship that confirms the luxurious nature of the workmanship. The quality of the chiseling is particularly remarkable in the secondary parts and less visible areas, attesting to first-rate craftsmanship. The mercury gilding, in both matte and glossy finishes, is of very high quality and comparable to that of the greatest bronze artisans active during the Empire.

The design is inspired by the repertoire of Jean-Démosthène Dugourc and was executed by a high-end bronze artist in Paris during the second half of the 19th century, most likely Guillaume Denière.

Guillaume Denière took over from his father in 1844; he headed the prominent Parisian firm specializing in bronzes and goldsmithing, which employed four hundred workers until the end of the 19th century. The production of luxury items based on both antique models (such as our candelabra, which incorporate elements from Dugourc’s designs) and modern ones (for example, his collaboration with Carrier Belleuse) led Denière to create, among other pieces, several clocks and mantelpieces for the Tuileries Palace (1852 and 1854), a spectacular bronze table centerpiece for the Russian ambassador (1854), decorative bronzes for the viceroy of Egypt (1862), a mantelpiece for Napoleon III (1867), the grilles for the Throne Room of the King of Cambodia, and other prestigious commissions from French and European high society. His contributions to the World’s Fairs were always eagerly anticipated and noted as highly as those of the Barbedienne workshop.

A fine example of luxury craftsmanship from the Second Empire, characterized by the excellent workmanship of its bronzes. The piece is truly spectacular in terms of its size, quality, and the seven candle holders. It is worthy of an imperial or national palace.

Very good overall condition; superb matte and glossy gilding, deep and well-preserved; the pearl frieze on the marble bases is missing, but this goes unnoticed due to the richness of the piece as a whole.

Height: 60 cm

Ref: 03S68VT6UT