What characterises French Empire style lighting?

French Empire style lighting, prevalent during the early nineteenth century under Napoleon Bonaparte, is recognised for its classical Roman and Egyptian motifs, symmetrical forms, and frequent contrast between dark patinated bronze and brilliant mercury-gilt bronze.

What materials are traditional for Empire period candelabra?

Traditional Empire period candelabra typically combine cast and chased patinated bronze with fire-gilded bronze, also known as ormolu. High-quality examples feature precision hand-chasing and engine-turned patterns across the pedestals and nozzles.

How can one identify authentic early nineteenth-century bronze candelabra?

Authentic period pieces display crisp hand-chasing, substantial cast weight, and original fire-gilding that retains a rich, warm tone. Maker or bronzier stamps are frequently struck directly into the metal frame or underneath the base.

How can French Empire candelabra be styled in a modern interior?

Positioning a pair on a contemporary sideboard, marble mantelpiece, or long dining table creates a striking focal point, bridging classical sculpture with modern architectural lines.

How should gilt bronze and patinated bronze be cleaned and preserved?

Dust gently using a soft camel-hair brush or dry microfibre cloth. Avoid liquid metal cleaners, water, or abrasive chemicals, as these will permanently strip the delicate original gilded surface and chemical patina.

for sale €12,285 $13,335

£10,500

LVS Decorative Arts

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Id #SA1207084

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Exceptional Rare Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Bronze & Gilt-bronze Candelabra of Superb Quality, Signed ‘Rabiat’

Name: Exceptional Rare Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Bronze & Gilt-bronze Candelabra of Superb Quality, Signed ‘Rabiat’
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1207084
Price: 10500 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by LVS Decorative Arts

Description

A rare pair of early 19th century (circa 1810) French Empire bronze and gilt-bronze candelabra of exceptional quality, signed ‘Rabiat’.

This superb pair of candelabra originally designed by Pierre-Phillippe Thomire (1751-1843) and executed by the foundry-chaser Claude Francois Rabiat (1756-1815), Rabiat receiving a Master in 1778 and working with eminent bronziers such as Thomire, Feuchere and Galle.

The candelabra consist of a winged female ‘Victory’ or ‘Victoire’, each with superbly cast wings with draped chiton and hair of chignon style, these female figures being characteristic of the Empire period.

The superbly formed figures having raised arms, each holding aloft intricate gilt-bronze candle holders in the form of baskets of flowers with a further gilt-bronze vase shaped candle holder with flowers overhead.

The figures with slightly raised feet are supported on a spherical dome leading down to superbly chased gilt-bronze columns with square base below.

Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751–1843) was a French sculptor and one of the most prominent bronziers or producers of ornamental patinated and gilt-bronze objects and furniture mounts of the First French Empire.

An almost identical pair of candelabra were delivered to the Garde-Meuble by “Thomire Duterme”, these were for the living room of the apartment of the Count of Nantouillet at the Elysée Palace.

LITERATURE: An almost identical pair in the Elysée Palace (Inventory Mobilier National GML-2884-002).

This pair of candelabra are in excellent original condition and can go straight into a home or collection.

Size:

Height: 21.5'' / 54.5cm

Width: 9.75'' / 24.75cm

Depth: 4.25'' / 10.75cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

54.5cm (21.46")

Width

24.8cm (9.76")

Depth

10.8cm (4.25")

Declaration

LVS Decorative Arts has dated this French Empire Bronze Candelabra to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1207084

Dealers Internal Reference

LVS1385

Dealers Notes

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LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.

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LAPADA & CINOA member

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All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.

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INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK FOR A ONE MAN COURIER SERVICE

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Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services

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PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.

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Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque

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Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:

www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk

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You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451

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Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

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Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.

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Description

A rare pair of early 19th century (circa 1810) French Empire bronze and gilt-bronze candelabra of exceptional quality, signed ‘Rabiat’.

This superb pair of candelabra originally designed by Pierre-Phillippe Thomire (1751-1843) and executed by the foundry-chaser Claude Francois Rabiat (1756-1815), Rabiat receiving a Master in 1778 and working with eminent bronziers such as Thomire, Feuchere and Galle.

fig 1. A pair of early nineteenth-century French Empire patinated and gilt bronze candelabra featuring winged classical figures holding candle nozzles aloft on decorated cylindrical pedestals. — fig 1. Exceptional Rare Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Bronze & Gilt-bronze Candelabra of Superb Quality, Signed ‘Rabiat’

The candelabra consist of a winged female ‘Victory’ or ‘Victoire’, each with superbly cast wings with draped chiton and hair of chignon style, these female figures being characteristic of the Empire period.

fig 2. A pair of early nineteenth-century French Empire patinated and gilt bronze candelabra featuring winged classical figures holding candle nozzles aloft on decorated cylindrical pedestals. — fig 2. Exceptional Rare Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Bronze & Gilt-bronze Candelabra of Superb Quality, Signed ‘Rabiat’

The superbly formed figures having raised arms, each holding aloft intricate gilt-bronze candle holders in the form of baskets of flowers with a further gilt-bronze vase shaped candle holder with flowers overhead.

“

The figures with slightly raised feet are supported on a spherical dome leading down to superbly chased gilt-bronze columns with square base below.

LVS Decorative Arts

fig 3. A pair of early nineteenth-century French Empire patinated and gilt bronze candelabra featuring winged classical figures holding candle nozzles aloft on decorated cylindrical pedestals. — fig 3. Exceptional Rare Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Bronze & Gilt-bronze Candelabra of Superb Quality, Signed ‘Rabiat’

Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751–1843) was a French sculptor and one of the most prominent bronziers or producers of ornamental patinated and gilt-bronze objects and furniture mounts of the First French Empire.

fig 4. A pair of early nineteenth-century French Empire patinated and gilt bronze candelabra featuring winged classical figures holding candle nozzles aloft on decorated cylindrical pedestals. — fig 4. Exceptional Rare Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Bronze & Gilt-bronze Candelabra of Superb Quality, Signed ‘Rabiat’

An almost identical pair of candelabra were delivered to the Garde-Meuble by “Thomire Duterme”, these were for the living room of the apartment of the Count of Nantouillet at the Elysée Palace.

LITERATURE: An almost identical pair in the Elysée Palace (Inventory Mobilier National GML-2884-002).

This pair of candelabra are in excellent original condition and can go straight into a home or collection.

Size:

Height: 21.5'' / 54.5cm