Exceptional Pair of Empire Candelabra
Attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire
France, early 19th century**
An imposing pair of Empire-period gilt bronze candelabra, featuring figures of Greek Muses. Each candelabrum is fitted with eighteen lights arranged on two tiers, with cast candle arms decorated with acanthus motifs and scrolling forms, and a central urn-shaped element, set on flared, fluted and reeded columns. The structure is supported by two Muses, Euterpe and Erato, standing on plinth bases.
Standing 134 centimetres (approximately 52.8 inches) high, this pair belongs to a monumental category rarely encountered, suggesting an original destination for grand, representative interiors.
Exceptional quality and presence
This pair is attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire on the basis of numerous stylistic affinities with documented works by this outstanding bronzier. The quality of execution, aesthetic refinement, and scale of these candelabra are uncommon: the precision of the chasing, the clarity of the details, and the overall balance of the composition point to the finest Parisian productions of the Consulate and Empire periods.
The Muses represented
The two candelabra depict two Muses from Greek tradition:
Erato, associated with letters, sciences, and the arts
Euterpe, linked to music, song, and lyric poetry
In Greek mythology, the Muses were goddesses presiding over various branches of the arts and sciences. They were the nine daughters of Zeus, king of the gods, and Mnemosyne, goddess of memory. Apollo, god of light, music, prophecy, and poetry, was their leader.
The use of classical Muses as supporting figures for candelabra was a particularly appreciated motif in 19th-century French decoration, fully consistent with neoclassical aesthetics and the iconographic repertoire of the Empire period.
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