Rare pair of figural candlesticks after designs by Corneille Van Cleve

Fine, good quality pair of mid to late 19th century French Rococo revival patinated and gilt bronze ormolu figural candlesticks in the manner of Corneille Van Clève (1645-1732) who supplied designs for these candlesticks to his brother in law, the goldsmith Nicolas de Launay (1646-1727). A drawing attributed to Van Clève depicts very similar examples. The design was reproduced throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and were later adapted to a considerably larger size for E.F. Caldwell & Co of New York during the late 19th and early 20th centuries which are now highly sort after. The candlesticks depict a playful satyr or faun holding a large cornucopia overflowing with fruit and flowers perched upon a gilt bronze leopard and a water nymph holding aloft a basket of fruit and flowers riding a beautiful gilt bronze dolphin, both sitting on gilt bronze Rococo style bases. Finely detailed, very decorative, rare examples. Once adapted for electricity with a small hole (now filled) to the reverse of the candle cups. France, circa 1870.

H 32cm x W 15.5cm x D 14cm

SOLD