A magnificent and highly important pair of early 19th century French gilt bronze and burnished bronze figural empire period four lights candelabra.

Each candelabrum is formed as a ormolu cornucopia of scrolled branches enriched with very fine hand chiseled leaf motifs and rosettes holding three lights with drip pans, set on a single torch-form stem housing one light, held aloft by a Classical style figure.

The Candelabra take the form of a full length male and female statues draped in swathed clothing. The female figure is the Greek goddess Athena and the male one her beloved Endymion. Athena has the quiver behind her shoulders and is depicted holding a bow in his other hand, whilst the male figure holds a stick. Each figure is extraordinary modelled and beautifully contrast the different finishes of gilt bronze. Both figures are raised on a ball above a ovoid plinth which featured fluted details with laurel and acanthus leaves motifs, which are further set atop square-form bases.

Rich and impressive lost wax casting gilt bronze decorations hand made with the highest quality chiseled work of the period. The black patinated bronze figurines have magnificent proportions and are sculpted in great detail. A statement candelabra that would bring an undisputable touch of elegance to any room and the most elegant and soft glow to your table. The Empire Period (1800-1830) saw the revival of classical ideas and influences, primarily in the decorative arts with Napoleon's court adopting classical designs discovered in the archaeological excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum early in the Nineteenth Century. The ancient forms of the classical Greeks and Romans, discovered in these ruins, gained a new popularity during the Empire period. Typical Empire Motifs included the acanthus leaf, anthemion (stylised honeysuckle), animal-paw feet, cornucopia, classical figures, dolphin, eagle, lyre and rosette. For ornamentation, ormolu was a prerequisite.

Measures: H. 74, W. 21, Base 13 cm