Pair of Torches - Candlesticks in Porphyry and Gilt Bronze from the Consulate period - Early 19th century

A rare and elegant pair of Consulate-era candlesticks, made around 1800, in finely chased and mercury-gilded bronze, adorned with genuine porphyry stems.
These candlesticks perfectly illustrate the archaeological taste that characterized the late 18th century and the Consulate period. Their design, of great purity, emphasizes balanced proportions and the nobility of the materials, in a spirit directly inspired by Antiquity.
The most remarkable element is undoubtedly the use of genuine porphyry, a prestigious material above all others. An imperial stone since Roman times, porphyry was reserved for centuries for the most important commissions. Its difficult extraction, its extreme hardness, and its historical prestige made it one of the most sought-after materials in French decorative arts of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Objects authentically made of porphyry mounted in gilt bronze appear very rarely on the market today. Many of these candlesticks have long since joined major private or institutional collections, which explains their growing interest among enthusiasts and collectors. This rarity is also reflected in the particularly favorable trend in their value over recent years.
The cylindrical porphyry stems are enhanced by an elegant mercury-gilt bronze mount. The candle holders, drip pans, bases, and palmette ornaments display fine and precise chasing, characteristic of the finest Parisian production of the Consulate period. The ensemble is captivating in its sobriety, architectural rigor, and refinement—qualities that distinguish the best examples of this period.
The high-quality mercury gilding retains all its brilliance and admirably highlights the contrast between the warmth of the bronze and the deep purple hues of the porphyry. This combination of noble materials gives the pair a particularly distinguished presence. Due to their rarity, the quality of their materials, and their timeless elegance, these candlesticks are now both collector's items and true heritage pieces. They integrate as naturally into a collection of First Empire bronzes as into a contemporary interior, where their pure design retains a remarkable modernity.

A very fine pair of Consulate candlesticks, combining the nobility of porphyry, the finesse of mercury gilding, and the elegance of the great Parisian productions of the early 19th century.

Please note that the porphyry and gilt bronze clock visible in some of the photographs is also available for sale. Combined with this pair of candlesticks, it forms a remarkably coherent ensemble, in the spirit of the grand Consulate and First Empire furnishings. The collection of several objects in genuine porphyry mounted in gilt bronze of this quality remains particularly rare on the market today and offers the opportunity to create a set that is as harmonious as it is prestigious. Finally, some greenish reflections visible in the photographs may be misleading. These are not verdigris or bronze oxidation, but simply residues of old candle wax that have dripped over time, a common phenomenon on this type of object and without affecting its state of preservation.

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