Chandelier or ceiling lamp, Louis XVI style. Bronze, glass. France, 19th century. A ceiling lamp made of gilded bronze with transparent glass elements, with sixteen lights in total. Starting from the top, there is a small circular piece decorated in relief, from which emerges an axis that opens with four arms, which leave the center free for a series of faceted glass pieces (which function as a central visual axis) and go downwards (note the bronze band with a string of pearls), ending in a cup. These four arms divide at the bottom, giving rise to plant forms, scrolls and architectural details. Vase-shaped lighters have been placed on the main arms, from which glass droplets with pearls hang; the secondary arms are finished off with bronze lighters with plant elements (“cups” on bronze plates, almost resembling a flower emerging from leaves), which have glass saucers, some almost flat and others deeper. It is in this lower area where the hanging elements are concentrated in greater abundance: transparent glass teardrops, with pearls (sometimes in pairs, sometimes just one), and others in the shape of a flower. From the central point hangs a disk topped with a faceted sphere. Stylistically, the piece shows clear influences from 18th century French Rococo: rocailles, contrasting curves and counter-curves, vegetal elements with marked movement, etc. This influence is common in 19th century works, being called “Louis XV style”. It is also worth highlighting the similarity of the glass elements of the lamp with works by the Société Baccarat, a company founded with the permission of Louis XV in 1764 and which continues to operate today, specialising in high quality glass. It was common throughout the 19th century and part of the 20th century for prominent Parisian bronze makers to use Baccarat beads in their work (François Linke, E. Colin & Cie, etc.).
· Size: 80x80x132 cms
ANTIQUES
Ref.: ZF1129
