Putto Bronze Candelabras
Putto bronze candelabras bring sculptural charm and ambient candlelight to interior spaces through classical figural design.
Putto Bronze Candelabras
Putto bronze candelabras are figural lighting fixtures depicting winged cherubs or putti holding candle arms, frequently found in pairs on this page. These decorative items stem predominantly from the nineteenth century, including periods such as the eighteen-eighties and the Victorian era, alongside eighteenth-century models.
Forms span multi-branch table candelabras, wall sconces, chandeliers, and complete clock garniture sets flanked by matching candleholders. French workshops dominate the selection, heavily influenced by Louis XVI, Empire, and Rococo revival styles.
How they were made
Casting utilised bronze, brass, and gilt metal, often finished with fire-gilding known as ormolu or dark patination. Artisans combined these metallic elements with solid bases carved from white marble, red marble, or porphyry.
Decorative details frequently integrated components like enamel highlights or fluorspar, reflecting techniques associated with classical French foundry work.
Putto Bronze Candelabras Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for putto bronze candelabras among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Materials across the selection include ormolu, brass, enamel, and porphyry supporting winged cherub figures.
What varies in quality
The refinement of the casting defines the upper tier, where facial expressions and feather details on the putti remain sharp and deeply undercut. Lesser examples show softer contours and blurred transitions from the finishing process.
Integration of materials also sets pieces apart, particularly the weight and polish of the marble plinths and the crispness of the applied ormolu mounts rather than plain gilt metal.
Claude Clodion·Francois Redmond
The Putto Bronze Candelabras Glossary
- Putto
- A figure of a small winged infant, frequently used in classical and Renaissance-inspired art. These figures form the central sculptural motif of the candelabras.
- Ormolu
- Finely ground high-carat gold applied to an object of bronze through a mercury amalgamation process. This technique gives the metal a distinctive warm lustre.
- Garniture
- A set of ornamental objects designed to be displayed together on a mantelpiece. These sets typically comprise a central clock flanked by matched candelabras.
- Patinated bronze
- Metal treated chemically to achieve a dark surface coloration. This finish contrasts with the bright sections of gilt bronze.
- Torchère
- A tall ornamental stand or candlestick adapted to hold lights. On this page, the term describes figural lamp standards.
Putto Bronze Candelabras: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a putto candelabra?
A putto candelabra is a decorative lighting fixture featuring one or more winged infant figures holding branches for candles. These pieces function both as sculptural ornaments and functional light sources.
Originating largely from nineteenth-century French ateliers, they draw on classical mythological themes and earlier Louis styles.
How do I style a clock garniture?
A clock garniture is placed centrally on a mantelpiece, sideboard, or console table with the matching candelabras arranged symmetrically on either side. This creates a balanced decorative display typical of period interiors.
Ensure the surface is level and stable, as these pieces combine heavy metalwork with marble bases.
How do I identify Louis XVI style?
Louis XVI style is characterised by neoclassical restraint, symmetrical balance, and straight architectural lines contrasted with organic foliage and classical figures. The style favours refined proportions and crisp casting.
Nineteenth-century revivals frequently replicate these exact decorative motifs using ormolu and marble.
Are these candelabras wired for electricity?
While many examples remain configured solely for candles, some listings have been adapted over time to function as table lamps or electric candelabras. Review the specific description to determine the current wiring state.
Converted pieces retain their original bronze and marble components while accommodating modern bulbs.