This elegant pair of gilt bronze candelabras was produced in France, circa 1825, and are period Restauration (Restoration). Restauration ran from roughly 1814-1830, during the reigns of Louis XVIII and Charles X and is predominately neoclassical in style, meaning that pieces from the period were influenced by antique civilizations, such as Rome, Greece, and Egypt.

Each candelabra (which is completely gilded) has three flat saucer-shaped bobeches beneath bulbous capital cups. The cups have exquisite details with three rows of foliate leaves over a textured background. Beneath each bobeche is a downward sloping arm depicted as a curled acanthus leaf. A lobed cup with an acanthus body is the terminal point for the three arms, as well a central finial that rises above the capitals. The finial is festooned with multiple grape leaves and features two rinceaux on the same level as the bobeches.

The main aesthetic element of the candelabras is the representation of Psyche, who is holding the lobed cup on top of her head. Psyche is the Greek goddess of the soul and is almost always depicted with butterfly wings, as ancient Greeks believed that butterflies were the embodiments of the soul. The wings of our Psyches have patterned edges and sides. She is wearing a laurel leaf crown and is clad in an ankle-length gown. Once again, the attention to detail is quite impressive, as noted by the movement in the gown, specifically the gathered material and the flared sides. Each Psyche is standing on a domed column with a floret diapered shaft and a base adorned with a repeating lotus motif. The column sits on top of a 1-inch-thick square base.

These French period Restauration gilt bronze candelabras show an incredible level of detail combined with a beautiful and rich gilt finish.  They will add a touch of refinement to any surface on which they are placed.

CONDITION: Good condition with wear commensurate to age and use. Buildup to bronze, especially inside cups. Slight losses of gilding with minor rubs to bases.