Three-light Candelabrum

Collections

European Decorative Art Highlights

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS

Dateca. 1750

Mediumgilt bronze, porcelain

Dimensions22 x 19 x 13 1/2 in. (55.9 x 48.3 x 34.3 cm.)

DescriptionThis candelabrum, one of a pair, is in the shape of a polychrome bird, which is mounted with gilt bronze candleholders.

SignedDuveen label: 28368/2 . Underside of porcelain, over glaze: ROI written in black (possibly felt-tip pen) 2. Shipping label: J. CHENUE/FRENCH PACKER/10, GREAT St. ANDREW STREET/SHAFTESBURY AVENUE/LONDON WC inscribed in ink P 1 3. Small circular label inscribed RR #16

MarkingsBears the crossed swords of the Meissen manufactory in the mid-18th century

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. The Arabella D. Huntington Memorial Art Collection.

Status

On view

Label TextThe Meissen Porcelain Manufactory in Saxony (modern-day Germany) specialized in figures of birds and animals, such as these bitterns, which are wading birds in the heron family. Collectors valued these objects both for their realistic representation of nature and for the fact that they are made of porcelain, a luxury item in Europe at this time. Fanciful gilt-bronze mounts were added to these porcelain sculptures after they were imported into France, transforming them into elaborate candelabra.

Object number27.116