Style Egyptian / Ref.14146

Pair of candlesticks in the style of the return from Egypt, Empire period

This pair of gilt and patinated bronze candlesticks in the Return from Egypt style was executed around 1810, during the Empire period (1802-1815). The fine chiseling and the quality of preservation suggest that it was made by a renowned workshop.

Each rests on a circular base adorned with a frieze of water leaves. The body of the candlestick is formed by female figures: their busts surmount a sheath body, from which feet emerge at the lower part. The sheath, in patinated bronze, is decorated with a stylized vase in gilt bronze, sculpted in bas-relief. The women wear a headdress reminiscent of the Egyptian nemes, as well as a large collar characteristic of this civilization. At the top, the candle holder is flanked at its summit by two sculpted oil lamps, adorned with lion heads.

European artists became interested in Egypt as early as the 1780s. The Egyptian campaign led by General Bonaparte to block the British route to India revealed its rich archaeological heritage to Europe and sparked a particularly significant enthusiasm in France, where Egyptian decorative motifs were often reinterpreted by artists. This interest was particularly evident in the decorative arts where bronze artists (Percier and Fontaine, but also Galle, Ravrio, Thomire…) designed numerous models incorporating motifs such as the sphinx or the Egyptian with a nemes.

This pair of candlesticks is presented as is. The nozzles are original.