Pair of Early 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Candlesticks

19th-Century French Ormolu Candlesticks with Antinous Figures in Egyptian Revival Style on Turquin Blue Marble Bases. Circa 1810.

Why we like them

This exquisite pair of 19th-century French ormolu candlesticks is a fine example of the period's fascination with Egyptian Revival style, drawing from both ancient and neoclassical influences. Each candlestick is finely crafted from gilded bronze and mounted on a solid Turquin Blue marble base. Turquin Blue marble was highly valued since Roman times and particularly in 18th-century France, where it was frequently used in the decorative schemes of royal palaces and other grand homes, especially for fireplaces and furniture. The Egyptian figures are not merely decorative but are modeled after a renowned statue of Antinous, the beloved companion of Roman Emperor Hadrian. After Antinous tragically drowned in the Nile in 130 AD, he was deified, and in many artistic representations, including this one, he is depicted as the Egyptian god Osiris, symbolizing rebirth and eternal life. The original statue of Antinous, now housed in the Museo Pio-Clementino's 'Sala Rotonda' at the Vatican Museums, holds significant historical and artistic value. It represents the deification of Antinous and the blending of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian religious elements during the Hadrianic period.

The combination of this moving historical reference with the intricate craftsmanship of the ormolu and fluted candle holders speaks to both the artistry and the deeper narrative presented in these candlesticks. The stately posture of Antinous, with his Egyptian-inspired attire, echoes the grandeur of the ancient world while evoking a rich romanticism that captivated 19th-century France. Such pieces would have originally graced the interiors of a well-appointed 19th-century home, reflecting the fascination with ancient Egyptian culture that surged in France following Napoleon's campaign in Egypt. Whether for a collector of antique decorative arts or a connoisseur of French design and interior decoration, this pair offers both historical significance and timeless beauty.

Dimensions

Height: 9.75" / 25 cm
Base diameter: 3" / 8 cm