Bronze Figural Candlesticks*

Item Description

A pair of rare and very unusual bronze candlesticks by the French sculptor Émile Carlier (1849-1927).

Depicting Egyptian semi-naked male entertainers, each balanced on one leg and standing on a large urn which, just to make it even more difficult, is lying on its side.  They are holding long double rods or bars which are decorated with wreaths and finials, each supporting two candle holders.

The only other time we’ve come across these, both figures were facing the same way and were not therefore correctly a pair.  These however are a true pair since, as intended, they mirror one another.

Very nicely cast and with a good dark patina, they are each mounted on a three-tiered graduated black marble and red marble base. The bases are further raised on four stylish bronze feet.

Standing approximately 26 cm high and dating from the early 1880’s, each is signed in the bronze E. Carlier.  

Carlier studied sculpture in Paris at the École des Beaux Arts and later in his career was awarded the rank of Officier in the Légion d’Honneur.