An Empire C. 1810 Gilt Bronze And Crystal Chandelier Attributed To Ravrio, Paris

A gilt bronze chandelier with zephyrs attributed to Antoine André RAVRIO (1759-1814),
Early 19th century, Empire period, circa 1810, Paris
The crystal globe attributed to Manufacture de cristaux du Mont-Cenis .

Dimensions: H. 41.73 inch | Ø 21.26 inch

Spherical-shaped model composed of a globe with two hemispheres in Mont-Cenis crystal cut into a diamond point and surrounded by a bronze frame with tori of palmettes extended by six busts of zephyrs. In the guise of small cherubs with spangled wings, the personifications of the Zephyr (Greek god of the west wind) holding the finely decorated bobeches with both hands. The crystal globe ending in a "pin" and surmounted by a twisted brandon water lily at the top. The three chains of suspensions with articulated rings adorned with delicately openwork friezes. The bronze ceiling top finely decorated with palm leaves and lotus flowers.
Related works:
Auction Fraysse et associés, Paris, March 24, 2010, lot 225 (almost identical model)

Antoine André Ravrio
Born in 1759 in Paris, Antoine André Ravrio is a renowned bronze maker of the 18th century and of the Empire. He is also a poet and a writer. Socialite man and member of the bourgeoisie of his time, he created a clientele within the literary societies he frequented. Received as a master founder in 1777, he set up his workshop in 1790. He supplied furnishing bronzes for the crown's furniture repository but also for the main court cabinetmakers like Beneman or Riesener. It was under the Empire that its success reached its peak, supplying bronzes for the imperial palaces of Napoleon, for the Empress, Joachim Murat, Louis Bonaparte, Eugène de Beauharnais ...

The Montcenis crystal factory was founded in Sévres in 1781, then the royal treasury bought the domain from the Duke of Orleans for Queen Marie-Antoinette in 1784. The establishment of MM. Lambert et Boyer then took the name of Manufacture des crystals et enaux de la Reine. In 1787, 60 people remained at the crystal factory, but following a decision by the State Council, the Manufacture des Cristaux was transferred to Le Creusot, near Montcenis, in Burgundy. After a few journeys and a shutdown of the ovens during the revolution, the manufacture resumed its activity and resumed growth under the aegis of its new administrator Benjamin-François de la Douespe du Fougerais (1766-1821). The manufacture received two awards at the French Industrial Products Exhibitions, in 1801 and 1802. From 1806, it became the main supplier of glassware to the Empress and then took the title of "Manufacture des Cristaux du Montcenis de S. M. l'Impératrice". Fougerais then provided abundantly the house of the Emperor, Queen Hortense, Murat ... and even exported its chandeliers, glass sets, cups, etc. to other European courts. He collaborates with the greatest bronziers of his time such as Thomire, Ravrio or Galle.