Christofle Louis XV Rococo Two-Light Candelabras

A striking pair of late 19th-century French candelabra by Christofle, modeled in the exuberant Louis XV Rococo revival style with dramatically twisting foliate stems, scrolling arms, acanthus-like leaves, molded candle cups, and richly ornamented circular bases. The asymmetrical, organic composition is characteristic of the Rococo tradition, while the elaborate cast decoration reflects the 19th-century fascination with reviving and reinterpreting the decorative arts of the ancien régime.

Founded in Paris in 1830 by Charles Christofle, the firm became one of France's most important names in silver and silver-plated metalwork after acquiring the patents for electrolytic silver plating in 1842. The technology allowed Christofle to produce finely modeled decorative objects on a much larger scale than would have been practical in solid silver, helping establish the company as a leading producer of luxury tableware and objets d'art. Christofle's work was embraced by French royalty and the imperial court, including commissions for Louis-Philippe and Napoleon III, and the firm became known for combining industrial innovation with highly sophisticated historicist design. 

The undersides retain Christofle's period silver-plating marks, including the CHRISTOFLE cartouche, the CC responsibility mark, and the numerical grammage mark indicating the silver used in the plating process. 

A beautiful example of Christofle's ability to translate the lavish vocabulary of 18th-century French Rococo into a sophisticated turn-of-the-centruy  decorative objects.

Origin: Late 19th century - early 20th century; France
Material: Silver-plated metal
Dimensions: 6.5" H x 8" W
Condition: Good antique condition with age-related wear and areas of silver-plating loss revealing the warmer-toned metal beneath, along with surface patina and minor oxidation consistent with age and use.