Grand pair of candelabras with satyrs inspired by a model by Clodion

Decorative pair of large bronze candelabra with black patina representing a satyr and satyress, creatures from Greek mythology who accompanied the god Dionysus. They lean on a tree trunk and carry a twisted cornucopia with six branching arms of light finished with binets and candle holders decorated with oak leaves.

This pair of satyr-decorated candelabra can be compared with a pair preserved in the Louvre Museum (inv. OA 10524-10525), which joined the museum’s collection in 1973 thanks to a donation from Mr and Mrs Renée Grog-Carven, which came from the ancient Seillière collection. The satyr and satyrress figures are identical, in size too, and have a very similar carving work and patina.

The candelabras rest on an engraved and gilded bronze base with fluting and acanthus leaves which rest on large red marble columns.

French work from the mid-19th century inspired by a model by Clodion, around 1860.

Provenance: Palais Rose du Vesinet, former property of Count Robert de Montesquiou.

Bibliography: D. Alcouffe, A. Dion-Tenenbaum, G. Mabille, Bronze furnishings from the Louvre, Dijon, 2004, p.177, n°91