French 18th C Bronze & Ormolu Blackamoor Candelabra
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A fine pair of French Directoire patinated bronze and Ormolu or gilt bronze Blackamoor candelabras. Although very Empire and Neoclassical this item is from the Directiore period from the 18th century the period just before the First French Empire period began. French, circa: 1795-1800. Measuring: 19" high. Weight: 30 pounds.
The pair firmly attributed to Jean-Simon
Deverberie(1764-1824). Each Candelabra depicts a Nubian Blackamoor holding up two lights. The patinated bronze figures are set with enamel eyes.
Lost wax method of bronze casting. Hand chasing and chiseling of the surface. Original patina present and intact. The ormolu is Mercury gilded with both Matt finish and highly burnished areas of highlight. Gilding is original and in tact.
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Literature:
Jean-Simon Deverberie(1764-1824).
Drawings and Art works by Deverberie
are in the Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris. The
design of this pair reflects the late 18th century interest in 'le bon
savage' encouraged by the idyllic
representations of Bernadin de Saint-Pierre and de Chateaubriand,
and the abolition of slavery by the
convention in 1793. The first of French Clocks and Candelabra of
this style appears to have been 'la negresse' delivered by
Furet and Gaudon to Marie Antionette in 1784. A version of which
in the form of a clock, possibly purchased by the Prince of
Whales in 1790, is included in the current exhibition at the Queen's
Gallery, Buckingham Palace. Interest in
'La bon savage' was maintained throughout the Empire period
despite Napoleon's reintroduction of slavery in 1802.
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En français: bronze doré luminaires au negre directoire empire |
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