CIRCA 1815-25

These beautiful candelabra were executed at the beginning of the 19th Century although in a slightly earlier style - almost certainly by a bronzier who either worked or trained in the techniques of the ancien régime. The design of the branches, consisting of a double scroll, relates to a project of 1768 for a wall-light executed by Philippe Caffiéri for the Royal Palace in Warsaw (H. Ottomeyer/P.Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, vol. I, p. 189, fig. 3.10.2). The quality of the gilding, chasing and burnishing are all extremely high. The chased surfaces have a matt, almost powdery finish, also called matte sablé or matte mercure, a technique developed by Pierre Gouthière at the end of the 18th Century, whereby chased ormolu items are probably wrapped in a crust of salt and placed over a source of heat. The salt would penetrate into the chased parts which would result in highly matt finish. This technique became widespread during the Empire period.