François Mage Garrison. France, Napoleon III period, ca. 1880.

Garrison FRANÇOIS MAGE (France, 1826-1910). France, Napoleon III period, ca. 1880.
"Venus and Cupid."
Polished gilt bronze and Belgian marble.
Clock in good working order.
Signed on the figure of Venus and Cupid.
Measurements: 60 x 36 x 18 cm (clock); 74 cm (candlesticks height).

Set consisting of two candlesticks and a table clock in working order. The decorativeness of the piece lies in the fine figures worked in gilded bronze (Ormolu) and that, in the clock, gracefully represent Venus and Cupid, while in the candlesticks they take the form of robed women carrying pitchers. Each of the candelabra has five arms topped by classical lighters, which in turn ornament the central stem finished in eclectic structures.

The French sculptor Mage was a student of François Rude and exhibited at the Paris Salons between 1860 and 1875.

The chimneypieces (known in French as garnitures de cheminée) of the Napoleon III period are the epitome of opulence and decorative eclecticism. At this time, France was seeking to regain imperial glory, which resulted in highly ornate pieces of great technical quality.