CIRCA 1810-20

The rich decoration of these candelabra reflects the Russian Empire style of the early nineteenth century, facilitated by the importation of Parisian items for the decoration of Royal palaces, as well as the familiarity of Russian craftsmen with the works of leading French architects, Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine. This admiration or 'francomania' continued even after the defeat of Napoleon in 1812, the year in which the designs of Percier & Fontaine were bound and presented to Alexander I. The publication was an essential reference book for Russian artists and craftsmen in the first quarter of the century, and motifs found on the present candelabra, such as the laurel wreath, figure of Jupiter and his eagle, feature on many related Russian examples. A pair of candelabra of the same model, now converted into lamps, was sold from the C. Ruxton and Audrey B. Love Collection, Christie's, New York, 20 October 2004 ($23,900 with premium), while a single candelabrum, also converted to a lamp but retaining the nozzles, was sold Sotheby's, New York, 30 September 2004, lot 206.