Pair of candlesticks; France, Empire period, c. 1810.

Pair of candlesticks; France, Empire period, c. 1810.
Mercury gilded bronze and Belgian black marble.
Measurements: 103 x 41 x 41 cm (x2).
These seven-light candlesticks are a great example of French design from the Imperial period, circa 1810. They are crafted in gilded bronze with an elegant Belgian black marble shaft, which provides a sophisticated contrast between the brilliance of the gilding and the sobriety of the marble.
Each candelabra stands on a triangular base with rounded corners, decorated with bronze ornamental details, including helmets, stylized griffin figures and richly worked vegetal motifs. The central shaft, in polished black marble, ascends in a conical shape, providing stability and a sense of refined verticality. Towards the top, gilded bronze reappears with neoclassical details, such as acanthus leaves and scrolls, typical of the style inspired by classical antiquity.
The top of each candelabra supports seven ornamental arms that unfold in a harmonious design, with graceful curves and floral details. These arms culminate in finely crafted candle holders capable of holding large candles, intended to illuminate the residences of the elite of the time with splendor.
Candelabra such as these were more than simple sources of illumination; they were symbols of status and power, used to demonstrate the refinement and taste of their owners. During the Napoleonic period, interior decoration took on a grandiose and monumental dimension, with an emphasis on opulence and technical perfection.
The quality of these chandeliers in particular stands out in the meticulous details of their ornamentation, the precision workmanship of the gilded bronze and the use of Belgian black marble, a material highly valued for its durability and beauty. These pieces not only served a practical function, but also acted as artistic statements, representing the best of French Empire design and craftsmanship.