A pair of gilt and patinated bronze candelabra carried by Vestal Virgins
Cast in several parts and screw-mounted. Depicting women in Classical attire on "rosso antico" marble plinths. The candelabra designed as amphora vases from which issue four curved cornucopia form branches with mascarons beneath the nozzles. The plinth with gilt bronze appliques showing an offering scene and wreaths. H 87 cm.
Paris, attributed to Pierre-Victor Ledure, c. 1810 - 15.
These two imposing candelabra are attributed to the bronzier Pierre-Victor Ledure (1783 - after 1840). Ledure learned bronze casting from André-Antoine Ravrio (1759 - 1814). As he did not succeed in obtaining orders from the "Mobilier impérial", he oriented himself abroad, supplying the courts of the Grand Duke of Tuscany and the Franconian nobility.
The two candelabra probably once flanked the doors of an enfilade. Although the figures are fully sculpted, the lights are only directed towards three sides. The candelabra were certainly positioned in a prominent place, possibly in front of the private chambers of a sovereign. In ancient times, the vestal virgins had the task of tending the fire in the temple of Vesta, which was never allowed to go out. The vestal virgin of neoclassicism is more freely dressed, but her frontal posture still appears calm and solemn.
Literature
Cf. Ottomeyer/Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, vol. I, Munich 1986, illus. 5.17.4, for the same candelabra in Ellingen Palace.