CIRCA 1740, POSSIBLY TURIN, IN THE MANNER OF JUSTE-AURELE MEISSONNIER

The design for this pair of candelabra is derived from those of Juste-Aurèle Meissonnier (1695-1750), epitomising the organic exuberance of the rococo taste. The boldly sculptural movement of his style is finely echoed in the foliate curves and scrolls of these candelabra (Meissonnier's engraved designs, first published circa 1750 in Paris, are illustrated in D. Nyberg, Meissonnier: An Eighteenth-Century Maverick, New York, 1969, fol. 32, no. M/74). Meissonnier was born in Turin, becoming particularly known in Paris where he worked. His Italian origin and training probably enhanced the extravagance of his decorative style. At the height of his career he was appointed architecte-dessinateur de la Chambre et du Cabinet du Roi, working as a silversmith, architect and designer directly for Louis XV.
A related pair of candelabra from the Alexander Collection was sold at Christie's, New York, 30 April 1999, lot 82.