18th Century French Brass Candlestick

A fine French brass candlestick with a stem made in two parts, the resulting brazing line running through the stem and socket. On a turned base with traces of engraving allover.

Made circa 1720.

Finding a pair of similar candlesticks in the collection of the V & A, accession number 969-1882, it is learnt that this model of stick was first developed by Louis XIV’s court designer, Jean Berain, and published in his ‘dessinateur de la Chambre et du Cabinet du Roi in 1711. Louis XIV’s order to melt domestic silver to finance French military campaigns in 1689 and again in 1709 greatly encouraged the production of domestic metalware in bronze which could then be plated with silver or gilded to imitate the precious metals.

dia:5 37/16 in x h:8 3/16