Very rare Ormolu candelabra, August-Maximilien Delafontaine, Napoleon III, ff. s. XIX – France
Exceptional two-light chandelier from the 19th century, the work of the Frenchman August-Maximilien Delafontaine (1813-1892). In the center is represented the figure of a heron that elegantly holds a snake in one of its legs, while with the other it rests on the figure of a turtle. The base has a circular shape adorned with a frieze of stylized scrolls. The bobeches have an ornamentation of vine leaves. You can appreciate the technique that August-Maximilien used, bronze doré, also called ormolú.
Negatives: The snake is missing on this piece.
Positives: The patina is incredible. This candelabra has been professionally electrified. Wires could be removed to return back to candles if you preferred.
About the Delafontaine family
At the end of the 18th century, Jean-Baptiste-Maximilien Delafontaine (1750-1820) founded the Delafontaine bronze factory; Later, his grandson, August-Maximilien, continued the family business until the end of the 19th century. The Delafontaine factory enjoyed great popularity and became one of the main producers of decorative bronze art.
Style and era Napoleon III or Second Empire
The Napoleon III or Second Empire style gets its name because it was born in France at that time. Strictly speaking, the Second Empire was proclaimed in 1852 and ended in 1870, led by Louis Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of the French, although in the artistic sense it extended a few more years (until 1880). This style was very popular among the French bourgeoisie. The emperor himself was involved in the artistic development of the moment, although more closely linked to architecture. However, it is to Empress Eugenia that the evolution of the decorative arts is owed.
Although it is inspired by the styles of the past, starting with Classical Antiquity, the Renaissance, even Louis XVI, much loved by Eugenie, the most representative characteristic of the style is sumptuousness and ostentation, always aspiring to show wealth and opulence.
It is not a style designed specifically for the Second Empire, but a recovery of the different great French styles of previous centuries, a kind of compilation of French decorative trends. Special reference is made to Louis XIV, Louis XV, Baroque and Rococo, and little by little to Louis XVI, with an eclecticist base. In short, the decorative styles that had positioned France at the forefront of interior design and furniture design in Europe, both for quality, originality and beauty.
Material: Golden bronze, ormolu
Author: Auguste-Maximilien Delafontaine
Style: Napoleon III
Period: 19th century
Country of origin: France
Good condition based on age and use.
Overall dimensions: 21.5 x 19.5 x 8.5 cm.
