A Pair of Empire Ormolu Five-Light Candelabra Circa 1810

each standing classical female figure supporting a laurel wreath with five candle nozzles, the leaf-cast socle raised on a square pedestal cast with a military trophy flanked by laurel wreaths, the stepped base cast with leaf tips. The figures probably once patinated, now gilt.

This lot is unusual inasmuch as the candle nozzles are secreted within the laurel wreath supported by the standing female figure.  It can be compared with a pair of candelabra delivered by Thomire in 1809 for the salon du petit appartement de l'Impératrice at Fontainebleau.  This pair of candelabra which are placed upon very high pedestals, also incorporate a female figure balanced with one foot upon a globe, and holding aloft a wreath composed of roses of liles which secrete the candle nozzles (illustrated, exhibition catalogue, 'Napoléon à Fontainebleau', 2003, p. 94)