H: 23 in / 58 cm | Dia: 31 in / 77.5 cm
Description
An Important Pair of Silvered Eight-Light Chandeliers
In the manner of André-Charles Boulle
Designed in the Louis XIV manner pioneered by the renowned French maker André-Charles Boulle, these brass chandeliers are entirely silvered, built-up around a slender stem and bowl construction with a pendant finial, the whole decorated in foliate reliefs and issuing 8 scrolling arms terminating in bobèches and electrified candles, the upper section of baluster form with distinctive putti herms.
Circa 1895
André-Charles Boulle (1642-1732)
André-Charles Boulle was received as a Maître Ébéniste in 1666, quickly becoming known as ‘the most skilful artisan in Paris’, and was appointed ‘Ébéniste du Roi’ in 1672, when he became a resident of the Louvre Palace, and was granted the especial privilege of being permitted to work in both bronze and wood. Although not the inventor of the method of inlaying the combination of ebony, tortoiseshell and brass, his ability and creativity in the medium became at once associated with the patronymic --‘Boulle.’ Many of his masterpieces are represented in national museums and prestigious Royal collections throughout the world.
Comparative Literature:
Wannenes, Giacomo, and Rozenn Wannenes. Les bronzes ornementaux et les objets montés. Lugano: Vausor, 2004, p. 65. Illustrating a similar brass and gilt pair of chandeliers by Boulle.
