A pair of Napoleon III gilt and patinated bronze figural seven-light candelabra, late 19th century

Acquired from Yann Allée, Paris, May 2001.

The design concept for these candelabra was first inspired by the wall-appliques supplied by Thomire-Duterme & Cie. for the Château de Fontainebleau in 1809 (see J.P. Samoyault, Pendules et Bronzes d'Ameublement sous le Premier Empire - Fontainebleau Collection, pp. 140-41, figs. 112-13). A drawing which is very close to the wall-appliques is in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris (Album Maciet 93, dessin CD 3767).