Pair of candelabra 1860 - 1875

Ferdinand Barbedienne, a prominent French bronze founder, created this pair of ornate candelabra between 1860 and 1875. The candelabra, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, are crafted in a gilded bronze and feature intricate enamel decoration in shades of turquoise, green, and red. Each candelabra stands on a conical base and features four candle holders. The use of champlevé enamel, a technique where the design is cut into the metal and filled with enamel, highlights the elaborate details of the candelabra. The intricate patterns and colors of the candelabra exemplify Barbedienne's skillful craftsmanship and the popularity of "art nouveau" style in 19th-century France.