Pair of Louis XVI style candelabra: Zephyr, Flora, Cupid and Psyche

Intertwined figures in silvered bronze resting on globes set on leafy feet, supporting a cluster of thirteen removable sconces emerging from baskets filled with flowers and fruit.
Both groups represent scenes from the myth of Love and Psyche, such as the abduction by Zephyr – the personification of the west wind in Greek mythology; Zephyr marries Flora, goddess of flowers, and offers her an empire of flowers.
Cupid is represented in the form of a teenager and Psyche is represented with butterfly wings.
The sculpture rests on a rich triangular plinth in engraved and gilded bronze with decorations of drapery, volutes, garlands, and lion’s paws.

The model of these candelabras representing Cupid and Psyche is inspired by a drawing by Jean-Démosthène Dugourc preserved in the library of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris, bearing the inscription: “Drawn by J.-D. Dugourc, architect and designer of the Cabinet of Mr. Brother of the King. Paris 1790” and” executed by Gouthière”.

French work from the end of the 19th century, around 1880-1890.

Provenance: private collection Dassault.

References: Book “Pierre Gouthière Ciseleur du Roi”, p. 82. (Fig. 36).