Candelabra. Auguste-Maximilien Delafontaine

AUGUSTE-MAXIMILIEN DELAFONTAINE (1813-1892).
Candelabra. Napoleon III, France, 19th century.
Ormolu.
Measurements: 21,5 x 19,5 x 8,5 cm.

Candelabra of two lights, work of the bronze artist August-Maximilien Delafontaine. It consists of two arms in ormolu or gilded bronze between which rises the effigy of a heron holding a snake with one leg while maintaining balance on a turtle. The circular base is adorned with scrolls and the lampshades are decorated with vine leaves.

At the end of the 18th century, Jean-Baptiste-Maximilien Delafontaine founded the Delafontaine bronze factory. His grandson, August-Maximilien continued the family business until the end of the 19th century. The Delafontaine factory enjoyed great popularity and became one of the leading producers of decorative bronze art.