Pair Of Gilt Bronze Candlesticks - Attributed To F.barbedienne - Period: XIXth Century

Lovely pair of gilt bronze candlesticks, attributed to Ferdinand Barbedienne.

The tripod base in the shape of lions' paws is surmounted by a collar formed of aquatic vegetation where a salamander wanders.

On the fluted, elegant and straight was another salamander hastens to find its congener.

The shoulder supporting the four light arms in the shape of an oil lamp is highlighted by three African elephant heads.
The sockets are original and removable.

A magnificent fantastic creature, guardian of this royal and symbolic fauna, half man, half animal, serving as an extinguisher, comes to magnify the whole of this sublime achievement of quality in all respects.

Period: Late 19th century
Dimensions: Total height: 55.5cm x Width: 16cm

The elephant is often seen as a symbol of strength and power. Being a large and magnificent animal, it is quite logically considered a powerful and majestic creature.
His way of life, dependent on the herd, is at the origin of deep relational bonds based on loyalty, which develop the power and the will to defend others.

The salamander had an amazing reputation for walking through flames.
This alleged power has earned him, among other things, to be a royal symbol.

With this exceptional power, the salamander was chosen by one of our most flamboyant kings, François 1er, who took it as his emblem, as evidenced by the salamander sculpted above the main door of the Château d'Amboise.

Two royal symbols, magnificently staged, by a no less famous bronzier and foundryman of the 19th century and undisputed master of his art at that time.