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拍品專文
The inspiration for this finely cast and chased set of candlesticks lies with Louis XIV's court designer, Jean Berain (1640-1711), dessinateur de la Chambre et du Cabinet du Roi, whose designs for candlesticks were published in 1690. Baluster candlesticks of this form were originally made in silver, but following Louis XIV’s order in 1701 for the mass melting of silver to finance France’s ambitious military campaigns, the production of domestic silver and lighting shifted to bronze - a more economical material which, when gilded, still retained the appearance of precious metal.
The decorative compositions of Jean Berain proved a fertile source for craftsmen working in a range of metals, and promoted the development of the now called ‘Regence’ style, characterised by grotesque scenes, strapwork patterns, and lambrequin and shell motifs. The faceted stem, interlaced rosette bands, and strapwork decoration of the present set of candlesticks, are a combination of different elements from Berain’s published designs (illustrated in. H. Ottomeyer & P. Pröschel, et. al., Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, vol. I, p. 58, fig. 1.8.1). A closely related pair of candlesticks with an identical faceted stem and shaped circular base decorated with Vitruvian-scroll and strapwork cartouches centred by shells, is in the Collection of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris (illustrated in. G. Henriot, Le luminaire de la Renaissance au XIXème siècle, Paris, plate 124).
The decorative compositions of Jean Berain proved a fertile source for craftsmen working in a range of metals, and promoted the development of the now called ‘Regence’ style, characterised by grotesque scenes, strapwork patterns, and lambrequin and shell motifs. The faceted stem, interlaced rosette bands, and strapwork decoration of the present set of candlesticks, are a combination of different elements from Berain’s published designs (illustrated in. H. Ottomeyer & P. Pröschel, et. al., Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, vol. I, p. 58, fig. 1.8.1). A closely related pair of candlesticks with an identical faceted stem and shaped circular base decorated with Vitruvian-scroll and strapwork cartouches centred by shells, is in the Collection of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris (illustrated in. G. Henriot, Le luminaire de la Renaissance au XIXème siècle, Paris, plate 124).