Pair of candlesticks. Metal, enamel. Limoges, France, 19th century. They have faults. A pair of metal candlesticks decorated with polychrome enamel on the exterior, each with an octagonal base that begins with a step and rises gently to the central axis. This axis features discs and moldings interspersed with vase-like forms, culminating in tubular wicks with flared mouths set within a smooth molding. Throughout the pieces, there are relief vegetal decorations of clear classical influence, interspersed with grisaille medallions of male profiles at the top and roundels at the base. Additionally, scrolls and vegetal, geometric, and architectural motifs in a gilded tone can be seen, rendered in low relief. The tondos at the base display a crowned heraldic shield supported by two quadrupeds, and three-quarter-length figurative elements, identified with the Latin name of the represented figure. Thus, we see “Cephale,” “Lavrore,” and “Adonis.” In Greek mythology, Cephalus was the lover of Eos, goddess of the dawn, condemned by Aphrodite to love only mortals. Adonis was also a lover of Aphrodite, eternally young, and symbolized death and the annual renewal of vegetation, his nature tied to the calendar. This pair of candlesticks is closely inspired by a candlestick that the Louvre Museum in Paris (where it is kept, inventory RFML.OA.2022.2.7) considers to have been made in the mid-16th century in Paris or Sèvres (France) and tentatively attributed to the enamel master Julien Robillard (active around 1850-1880). The inspiration from Italian Renaissance models and motifs is clear.
· Size: 12,5x12,5x15,5 cms
ANTIQUES
MISCELLANEUS;OTHER OBJECTS
Ref.: ZF1328
