Pair of French Empire four-light candelabra

A pair of patinated and gilded bronze four-light candelabra in the shape of Victory figures (Victories) with burning torches in both hands. Upon their heads, the Victories each bear a fire-gilt bronze dish from which emerge three arms in the shape of phoenixes terminating in curling ferns, with a fourth higher-mounted central candle sleeve. The patinated Victories each stand upon a tall, patinated bronze pedestal with gilt bronze mounts and appliqués in the shape of a fire burning in a brazier featuring a caduceus.

This model can be attributed to the workshop of Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843). Thomire was one of the most prominent bronze casters and ciseleurs (engravers) of the Empire period. Although he was trained as a sculptor, he chose to practice his father’s profession instead and became a bronze caster. In that capacity, he grew into one of the most successful producers of bronze objects in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. Thomire trained under Gouthière before starting his own enterprise, which produced bronze ornaments for furniture. Later, he worked as an assistant to Duplessis, the director of the Manufacture de Sèvres. After Duplessis’ death in 1783, Thomire returned to bronze casting and began producing gilt bronzework for porcelain. He was appointed Ciseleur de l’Empereur in 1809.

A similar pair featuring three branches from the collection of Pauline Borghese, now located in the British embassy in Paris, was purchased by the Duke of Wellington in 1815. Other examples can be found in Homburg Castle; these were made for king Jérôme of Westphalia, the youngest brother of Napoleon. A third pair exists in the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, near Madrid.

Literature:
Vergelijkbare paren bevinden zich in de collectie van de Mobilier National in Parijs, inv. nr. GML-134-001/2 en GML-6484-001/2.
H. Ottomeyer en P. Pröschel, "Vergoldete Bronzen", München, 1986, p. 328, fig. 5.2.1 en 5.2.2.