Torches Forming Sculptures In Patinated Bronze, 19th Century Circa 1850 After C.van Clève

Large and spectacular pair of Flambeaux Forming sculptures in Patinated bronze, 19th century circa 1850, AFTER THE MODEL OF CORNEILLE VAN CLEVE (1645-1732), composed of a decoration of a draped nymph and naked from the top riding a dolphin, and a satyr seated on a Leopard, the nymph holding another dolphin in a horn of plenty which delivers a richly worked socket as well as a basin with leaves and a bobeche worked inside, the satyr holding a cornucopia with fruits finished with the same socket and bobeche chiseled, raised on asymmetrical bases in the shell style and circled with acanthus leaves, numerous moldings and chiseling, superb quality and execution, This relatively rare and very decorative model was attributed to the sculptor Corneille Van Clève (1645-1732), who is known to have provided models for his brother-in-law, the goldsmith Nicolas de Launay (1646-1727), to cast in silver, and an inventory of his workshop describes the models for these candelabra. A drawing attributed to Van Cleve also depicts a very similar pair of candlesticks. The design was reproduced throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, and a pair in gilt bronze was produced for Louis XIV's King's Chamber at Versailles, and another pair is in the Wallace Collection.

Condition Report: Fine sculpture, Beautiful brown patina, high quality mounting, traces of age and use. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Height 34 cm Base 13 cmx 13 cm

a similar Subject (gilded) was sold at Sotheby's, and After Corneille van Clève, pair of Louis XIV style gilded bronze candlesticks, 19th century, candlesticks with added bases, 35 cm high, Sotheby's Paris, collection of Madame Antenor Patiño, n°266, sold for €11,800

Biblio: French sculptor (born in Paris in 1645, died in Paris on December 30, 1732), son of a family of goldsmiths, Van Clève apprenticed in the workshop of the sculptor Michel Anguier.

He then settled in Italy for about ten years, first in Rome as a boarder of the king (from 1611 to 1617), then in Venice (from 1617 to 1680). He was greatly influenced by the art of Bernini.

Back in Paris, he was admitted to the Academy in 1681, with Polyphème (Paris, Musée du Louvre).

He received numerous commissions for the Palace of Versailles: Sleeping Ariadne, Mercury, Children with a Conch, Lion and Boar, Lion and Wolf (in collaboration with Jean Melchior Raon). He executed numerous decorations for the Palace of Versailles (vases, capitals, figures, bas-reliefs, etc.).

He also worked for the king at the castles of Marly and Meudon.

He created for the church of the Château de Versailles, a remarkable high altar with an Angel with outstretched wings, two Adorers, Cherubim and the Deposition from the Cross. Van Clève had his own cast iron workshop and produced statuettes prized by amateurs: Leda and the Swan (Louvre Museum); Diana and Endymion; Bacchus and Ariadne... He was appointed professor in 1693, assistant to the rector in 1706, director in 1711, rector in 1715, chancellor in 1720.

A captivating mythological scene:... Every detail is chiseled with incredible precision, transporting your interior into a dreamlike universe.

"Illuminate your interior with the brilliance of History"

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