The French were masterful at creating lighting for the upper class during the Baroque and Rococo periods. I don’t remember the nomenclature of design forms from this era, but this pair of candlesticks demonstrates a controlled use of Rococo curvaceousness and drama, not to mention, a multitude of undulations and stepped curvilinear designs that would, no doubt, contribute to religious counter-reformation for years to come!

Candles were expensive. Beeswax candles cost three times what tallow candles did – but beeswax burned brighter and longer.

This pair were cast in bronze and originally silvered, but over 275 years the silvering wore away and the rich bronze patina revealed itself. Fortunately, successive owners gave up polishing them and gifted us with wonderful dark crusty surface that greatly enhances the many design elements and would elevate a Colonial American room setting very nicely!

9 and 3/8ths inches tall, 5 and 3/8ths inches wide. No restoration. As descended surface, with remnants of silver on the underside. Ca. 1740.