French Empire 'Garde à Vous' ormolu and patinated bronze candelabra

A rare and important pair of early 19th century French Empire Period patinated and gilt bronze ormolu two light 'Garde à Vous' figural candelabra in the manner of Claude-François Rabiat. Romantic symbolism in the form of a richly patinated winged god of love, Cupid, firing one of his arrows through a rose. Beautifully cast and chased, Cupid's bow carries the phrase 'Garde à Vous' in relief, the allegory of love which can be both exhilarating and dangerous. The lovely cast candle cups are decorated with classicaly inspired acanthus leaves. The figures stand on cylindrical stepped ormolu bases with fine machine turned Empire decoration topped with a ball finial. An identical pair of candelabra sold at Christie's Amsterdam European Noble and Private Collections sale on 31st March 2009, lot 186. A fine and attractive example of a pair of candelabra seldom seen. France, circa 1815.

H 41 cm x W 28cm x D 26.5 cm

SOLD