Description
A French 19th century detailed pair of silvered bronze candelabras by Victor Paillard. In the classical and Louis XVI style is a nude woman and man draped carrying ornate torches. The nude figures with traces of slivering and drapes and torches gilt in gold. The detailing and chiseling is fabulous. Not to big and not to small in wonderful condition.
Signed (stamped) on base: “V P under Crown” Measures: Height 11 inches (27.4 cm) Diameter 4 inches (10 cm)
Condition: Very good with restored chips to Varigated green marble with loss and tarnish to silver.
Victor Paillard learned the art of the chiseleur working for the bronzier Deniére as a youth. He opened his studio casting works in bronze in the 1830s, first appearing at the Exposition des Products de l’Industrie in 1839. He was a member of the jury at the Exposition Universelle in 1855 and was made a Chevalier of the Legion d’Honeur. During this period he was known to employ nearly one hundred craftsmen. In 1874 he became mayor of Paris’s third district. His work is generally foundry marked with a tiny cold stamp “V.P.” beneath a crown, these usually in obscure or non-distracting places, and sometimes hidden inside of elements of more complex pieces.