Antique Art Nouveau Candlesticks, 1890s, Set of 2

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Pair (2) impressive art nouveau candlesticks pewter, silver-plated this elegant candlestick is a famous "art nouveau" masterpiece. Typical for the … Read more Pair (2) impressive art nouveau candlesticks pewter, silver-plated this elegant candlestick is a famous "art nouveau" masterpiece. Typical for the design of this era was the strong mix of geometric and floral elements and this piece is certainly one of the most spectacular by its intricate design. It was designed by the influential sculptor/designer albert mayer for the well known german firm wmf. Wmf (wrttembergische metallwarenfabrik ag) is a tableware manufacturer, founded in 1853 in geislingen an der steige, germany, by the miller daniel straub and the brothers schweizer. It was originally called metallwarenfabrik straub & schweizer and was opened as a metal repairing workshop. Around 1900, they were the world's largest producer and exporter of household metalware, mainly in the jugendstil, or art nouveau style. They are best known for the period of albert mayer, sculpter and designer, who was director of the wmf art studio from 1884 to 1914. Mayer specialized in designs which depicted beautiful maidens & nymphs with flowing hair and graceful postures. During the latter years of the 19th century and the years leading up to 1914, the head of the wmf art studio in geislingen was the sculptor albert mayer, who not only designed many of the company’s products during this period, but was also probably responsible for the design of a majority of the wmf catalogue covers. Albert mayer’s penchant for the incorporation of willowy female figures and mucha-like female profiles with billowing hair into the design of household objects is much in evidence throughout the 1906 catalogue as is his uncompromising reliance on full-blown jugendstil floral ornament and forms. See less