{"product_id":"french-belle-epoque-gilt-metal-crystal-amp-white-metal-cherub-chandelier-circa-1900","title":"French Belle Époque Gilt Metal, Crystal and White Metal Cherub Chandelier, circa 1900","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn exceptionally decorative French gilt-metal and crystal chandelier in the Louis XV \/ Rococo Revival taste, centered by a beautifully modeled winged putto or cherub climbing through an elaborate scrolling support.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe chandelier is built around a shallow opaque white-finished metal lower bowl, framed with richly ornamented gilt-metal mounts and multiple scrolling candle arms. The arms terminate in foliate bobeches and faux candle sleeves and are embellished with textured rosettes, acanthus leaves, floral bosses, and suspended faceted crystal drops.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe central standard rises above the cherub with urn-form and foliate ornament, floral medallions, tassel pendants, and a particularly elaborate crown of scrolling branches hung with large faceted crystals. Several of the larger crystal elements are mounted within decorative gilt-metal surrounds, giving the fixture a highly architectural, jewel-like appearance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe combination of figural ornament, Rococo scrollwork, gilt metal, and crystal is characteristic of French Belle Époque lighting inspired by eighteenth-century Louis XV forms.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA highly decorative statement chandelier with strong sculptural presence even when unlit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBelle Époque \/ Louis XV Revival\u003cbr\u003eCirca 1890–1910\u003cbr\u003eLikely French\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, French decorative-arts manufacturers frequently revived the elaborate forms associated with the eighteenth-century royal courts. Louis XV-inspired lighting was especially popular, incorporating curving branches, acanthus foliage, rocaille ornament, flowers, putti, and sparkling glass or crystal pendants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCherubs, or putti, were a particularly favored motif in French decorative arts and were associated with love, music, abundance, and the pastoral arts. By the Belle Époque, these eighteenth-century motifs were being reinterpreted for increasingly elaborate electrically lit interiors.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis chandelier appears to belong to that revival tradition rather than being an eighteenth-century fixture itself. Its elaborate cast ornament, figural center, scrolling candle arms, white-painted metal body, and crystal dressing are consistent with decorative French lighting produced around the turn of the twentieth century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSourced in France.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaker presently unidentified; no visible maker’s mark has been documented.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials\u003cbr\u003eGilt metal, likely brass and\/or bronze components\u003cbr\u003eWhite-finished metal lower bowl \/ basin\u003cbr\u003eCast figural and foliate ornament\u003cbr\u003eFaceted glass or crystal prisms and pendants\u003cbr\u003eMetal bobeches\u003cbr\u003eFaux candle sleeves\u003cbr\u003eElectrical components and wiring\u003cbr\u003eDimensions\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Height: ___\"\u003cbr\u003eOverall Width \/ Diameter: ___\"\u003cbr\u003eBody Height excluding chain or canopy: ___\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition \/ Disclaimers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAntique condition with wear consistent with age and use. The gilt surface displays scattered rubbing, oxidation, discoloration, and areas of accumulated patina.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe white-finished metal lower bowl shows age-related wear, including scattered surface loss, rubbing, discoloration, and minor imperfections to the painted or enameled finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe chandelier retains numerous faceted crystal drops and pendants. The crystal arrangement appears somewhat irregular in places, and some drops, connectors, suspension wires, or decorative elements may be missing, replaced, repositioned, or associated over the fixture’s lifetime.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFaux candle sleeves show age, discoloration, and wear. Minor bends, looseness, historic repairs, or adjustments to the delicate scrolling metalwork may be present.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eElectrical components and wiring are present, but their age and functionality have not been independently verified. The chandelier should be inspected and, if necessary, rewired by a qualified electrician prior to installation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs with all antique lighting, evidence of historic repair, alteration, replacement components, or rewiring may be present. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49259591926015,"sku":null,"price":1450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/2DE29045-0AF8-4555-AF01-27D5E557C14B.jpg?v=1789917829","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/es\/products\/french-belle-epoque-gilt-metal-crystal-amp-white-metal-cherub-chandelier-circa-1900","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}