NATURALIST CANDLESTICKS IN GILDED BRONZE IN THE TASTE OF AUGUSTE CAIN

Pair of large three-light ormolu candlesticks, surmounted by Dionysus (Bacchus for the Romans) and a Maenad (Bacchante for the Romans). Dionysus is depicted wearing the skin of a wild beast, which he holds in one hand, and the thyrse, his main attribute, in the other. The animated Maenad, her dress billowing and her hands resting on her chest, is reminiscent of the Bacchanalia. Linked to the Dionysian mysteries, these festivals were held in honor of Dionysus-Bacchus, god of wine, drunkenness, excess and nature in Greco-Roman mythology. The shaft of each candlestick is decorated with a snail and a shrew in high relief. The three-legged circular base, in the shape of a flower bud topped by a cricket, is adorned with ivy and berries. These naturalistic torches are made with great attention to detail.

Napoleon III period, Circa: 1860

Dim: W:19cm, D:19cm, H:50cm.

Condition report: in very good overall condition, with slight signs of use.