Boulle Regence-Period Ormolu Candelabra
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Exceptional design and a renowned maker Boulle distinguish this stunning pair of ormolu candelabra
Key Features
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- This rare and magnificent pair of candelabra were almost certainly created by André-Charles Boulle
- These gilt bronze lights exhibit the luxurious early Rococo style
- Once owned by the Barons de Rothschild, the design of these lights was described in Boulle's papers
- Circa 1715-20
- 10" wide x 16 7/8" high
Item Details
- Width:
10 Inches - Height:
16 7/8 Inches - Period:
18th Century - Origin:
France
These exceptional ormolu candelabra are one of the few such masterpieces to have been crafted by André-Charles Boulle, the master ébéniste to King Louis XIV. This very pair is further distinguished by a fantastic provenance, as they were once owned by the Barons de Rothschild. Records of only six other pairs of candelabra in this design are known, all of which have been included in some of the most prestigious collections in the world.
From the stems and arms, which are cast with acanthus, scrolling foliage, strapwork and bearded masks, to the pierced tripod base, cast with masks and mounted with seated putti, these candelabra exhibit the finest artistry from one of the world's true creative geniuses. To find such a rare and exquisite pair on the market today is extraordinary.
André-Charles Boulle revolutionized furniture-making. The favorite of Louis XIV, Boulle created designs and techniques that influenced French style well into the 19th century, when the Empress Eugénie championed his work. Beginning in 1672, he created a multitude of pieces for the Sun King, his family and the court, and pioneered the copper and tortoiseshell marquetry that defined his career, the renowned "Boulle marquetry." He also incorporated another major innovation into these designs, the highly detailed, sculptural gilt bronzes that he used to protect the most fragile parts. Not only did Boulle embellish his furniture with this magnificent ormolu, but he also created entirely separate items from it, including clocks, ink-well stands and strikingly beautiful candelabras such as these.
Provenance:
Collection of Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild (1836-1905);
Vienna Collection of Baron Alphonse de Rothschild (1878-1942);
Vienna Rosenberg & Stiebel, New York, 1948, consigned by Baroness Alphonse de Rothschild (Clarice de Rothschild);
Mr. and Mrs. Antenor Paitno, Sotheby's New York, The Patino Collection, November 1, 1986, lot 24.
Circa 1715-20
10" wide x 16 7/8" high
From the stems and arms, which are cast with acanthus, scrolling foliage, strapwork and bearded masks, to the pierced tripod base, cast with masks and mounted with seated putti, these candelabra exhibit the finest artistry from one of the world's true creative geniuses. To find such a rare and exquisite pair on the market today is extraordinary.
André-Charles Boulle revolutionized furniture-making. The favorite of Louis XIV, Boulle created designs and techniques that influenced French style well into the 19th century, when the Empress Eugénie championed his work. Beginning in 1672, he created a multitude of pieces for the Sun King, his family and the court, and pioneered the copper and tortoiseshell marquetry that defined his career, the renowned "Boulle marquetry." He also incorporated another major innovation into these designs, the highly detailed, sculptural gilt bronzes that he used to protect the most fragile parts. Not only did Boulle embellish his furniture with this magnificent ormolu, but he also created entirely separate items from it, including clocks, ink-well stands and strikingly beautiful candelabras such as these.
Provenance:
Collection of Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild (1836-1905);
Vienna Collection of Baron Alphonse de Rothschild (1878-1942);
Vienna Rosenberg & Stiebel, New York, 1948, consigned by Baroness Alphonse de Rothschild (Clarice de Rothschild);
Mr. and Mrs. Antenor Paitno, Sotheby's New York, The Patino Collection, November 1, 1986, lot 24.
Circa 1715-20
10" wide x 16 7/8" high
