RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc: Ask the Appraiser

Dear Jon, I read your ‘Ask the Appraiser’ column every week in our newspaper and always look forward to what you feature. I am reaching out because I recently inherited these candle holders and was hoping you could tell me more about their history and potential value. I found them in my uncle’s attic, wrapped in towels. They measure 33 inches tall and weigh almost 30 pounds. I know that we haven’t any room for them in our home and they certainly don’t work with our decor. People don’t use things like these any longer. However, they are decorative in the right setting. Perhaps an older home. Thank you for your informative column.

Lee 

There is an undeniable elegance to French craftsmanship, and your exquisite pair of late 19th century gilt and patinated bronze candelabras is a perfect example of why they remain a focal point in both historic homes and modern homes. They were produced in Paris by the noted metal worker and bronze founder Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892). I was able to enlarge the photograph of the base. There, partially covered in dust, a faint signature ‘F. Barbedienne’. Ferdinand Barbedienne was among the most celebrated bronzers of the 19th century, renowned for the exceptional quality of his casts and gilding. Works by this atelier, often inspired by classical and Renaissance motifs, epitomize the technical and artistic excellence of French decorative arts during the Belle-Epoque. The pair of candelabras you are inquiring about exemplify the refined neoclassical style for which Barbedienne was internationally acclaimed. Each one of your candelabras have a twin-handled vase form, with the bodies finely cast in bas-relief with classical scenes, one depicting two youths playing music, the other a couple engaged in a ritual offering. Each one features a central stem supporting six scrolling, acanthus-sheathed candle arms, each surmounted by a heron figure. The entire ensemble raised on a rouge griotte marble plinth base. Each one combines sculptural precision with rich surface patination and luxurious materials. The present value for this pair of magnificent antique French bronze candelabra is $5,000 USD. I will add that twenty years ago, the value of these candelabras would have been double this amount. Your point is well taken, that people no longer use candelabras any longer. However, there still are collectors for fine French decorative arts and these collectors will still spend substantial funds on the high-quality items such as these candelabras.