Exceptional Pair Of Torches, France Last Quarter Of The 16th Century

France, last quarter of the 16th century. Exceptional pair of bronze candlesticks with column "resting on a molded cubic base, engraved with decoration of fleurons surmounted by an Ionic capital, supporting a large gadrooned bobeche. The whole is riveted on a finely molded circular base." As described in 1998 in a Tajan sale, this pair of torches has an additional particularity. The circular base rests on three finely chiseled claw feet. Probably a commission from the period inspired by Italian Renaissance models, adding more weight (but with elegance) to already rich models. We were able to compare with the model from the Michel Rullier collection which was exhibited at the National Renaissance Museum (photo attached) and the work of chiseling and matting the feet is identical, making this pair unique. Please note: we were able to reference less than ten pairs of this type. Slight difference in weight and in the turning due to the chiseling and foundry work of the time. Thanks to Bertrand Bergbauer for his work, Michel Rullier for allowing the comparison of models and ML for the references. Ref: France of the founders, B.Bergbauer