19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Candleholders—A Pair

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An elegant pair of gilt bronze candleholders that date to the French Empire period, around 1820. In order to achieve … Read more An elegant pair of gilt bronze candleholders that date to the French Empire period, around 1820. In order to achieve a sharp, highly detailed effect, bronze pieces created during this period were incised (or ciselé as the French would say) before the gilding was applied. The gilding is both matte and shiny, the more ornate sections being matte and the central columns and the bases being shiny.

This pair of candleholders is in remarkably good condition. The gilding is worn in the middle section of both candleholders (refer to picture 5 for a close up view). I photographed them on a sunny day, so every small defect is much more pronounced than would be the case on your dining room table. There is a bit of discoloration inside one bobèche (refer to picture 7).

These candleholders measure 11" in height and 4" wide at the base. See less