An elegant and decorative silver-plated bronze chandelier of cage form, illuminated by eight arms of light and eight large illuminating daggers in cut crystal on the periphery, in the middle: a beautiful illuminating dagger in cut crystal and four small lights. The chandelier is composed of large baccarat-cut crystal plates and ends with a beautifully cut crystal ball.
A fine French work from the late 19th century, circa 1890, signed by Henri Vian on the bélière. The crystal work is attributed to the Cristalleries de Baccarat.
Sizes: Height 43.30 Inches. - Diameter 25.59 Inches.
In fine original condition.
Biography:
Henri Vian, a famous bronze maker, and foundryman, grandfather of Boris Vian, specialized in the production of furniture bronzes, decorative vases, fireplace mantels, and various lighting fixtures.
He designed the ornamental railings for the Villa ARNAGA, Edmond Rostand‘’s residence in Cambo-les-Bains.
Henri Vian took part in the various Universal Exhibitions of 1878, 1889, and 1900 and was a gold medallist in 1889.
His shops were located at 5 rue de Thorigny in Paris, now the Picasso Museum.
After he died in 1905, his wife and then his son Paul (father of Boris) took over the decorating business until 1944, when the City of Paris bought the premises and set up the École des Métiers d'Art, now the Picasso Museum.
Baccarat:
In 1764, French King Louis XV granted Louis-Joseph de Montmorency-Laval, Bishop of Metz, permission to establish a glassworks in the Lorraine village of Baccarat.
In 1824, Ismaël Robinet, a Baccarat glassmaker, invented an air-piston pump that facilitated glassblowing. The following year, Baccarat developed the press-molded technique.
In 1855, Baccarat took part in the first Paris Universal Exhibition, exhibiting two monumental candelabras and a chandelier.
In 1860, on October 29, Baccarat registered its trademark with the Paris Commercial Court: a carafe, a stemmed glass, and a beaker inscribed in a circle. Initially printed on a paper label, the stamp was later engraved directly onto the piece.
Baccarat crystal is of the highest quality, containing no less than 31.7% lead, with no defaults and the highest standards. Cristallerie de Baccarat has been passed down through the generations and remains a symbol of French art de vivre.