Style Napoleon III / Ref.03180

Maison Gustave LEVY, Pair of caryatids candelabras gilded bronze. Model from the World Fair of 1862.

This pair of candlesticks was produced in gilded bronze and Onyx marble. The two bases, triangular, are identical: shown on three clawed feet, the cut angles are decorated with appliqued designs of the bodies of chimeras.The sides of the base are inlaid with rectangular slabs in onyx-marble with gold highlights. Some theater masks lie within the center of each side. Above them, two caryatids take place on a tapered fluted pedestal also made of onyx-marble. These female figures are evidence of the creativity of Gustave Levy. Indeed, variations in the pose and in the clothing animates these objects of identical appearance. They both wear a large antique-inspired dress with numerous folds but one with the arm uncovered while the other with an arm covered with material. Each of them is endowed with an attribute: a wolf, a mask then worn by women, for the one and a sickle for the other, placed at hip level. On their heads rest the girandoles and the candlesticks. The arms of light spread around a small miniature jug in onyx-marble with a cover in bronze. The work of detail on these girandoles is particularly noticeable, especially in the carving of the plant elements, leaves and branches, which surround the arms. The candle rings on the lower level are placed in open flowers and supported by a carpet of foliage.The quality of the work of the sculpture and the carving is absolutely remarkable in the two pieces and demonstrates the real attention brought to their production.A candlestick of the same model but with a different base was presented by Gustave Levy during the World Exhibition of 1862 that took place in London. One can see an etching by him in the catalogue illustrated by the Art Journal published following the event. Some words about Gustave Levy are thus written in regard to the etching and prove the popularity of the artist at the time: “Mr. G.J. Levy devotes much attention to the graceful utilities of the drawing and dining rooms. Many of his exhibits show the influence of good Art on objects of daily use, as well as on those of costlier and more elaborate character.” The rediscovery of these candlesticks, documented thanks to this etching, is of great importance for the history of decorative arts of the 19th century.