Charming pair of « girandoles » with two arms of light, decorated with a fountain and falls of faceted glass threads, the square base is in white marble, the baluster shaft in cobalt blown glass, which animates the play of crystal pendants. The set is mounted in gilded brass with chiseled decoration, surmounted by a crescent moon.

Good condition.

Russia or Sweden, late 19th century.

H. 41.5 x W. 22.5 cm.

A girandole (from the Italian girandola - “fiery wheel, fireworks”) is a candlestick or lamp for several candles arranged in a circle. The girandoles were made in specialized workshops, sometimes by jewelers and were arranged on fireplaces or tables; they were used to light up the ceremonial rooms. The main decorative role of the girandole was given to the crystal decoration, and the metal structure was only a frame. The girandole spread in France in the 17th century, as well as in other countries, especially in the North. The girandoles appeared as varieties of candelabra and resembled small trees. Crystal pendants shimmered on their metal stems and brackets, among which were porcelain figurines of people and animals, baskets of fruit and flowers. In Russia, there are two main types of chandeliers, according to the typology of the designs of chandeliers, classically called “Elizabeth” and “Catherine”. Our pair was most likely made in Sweden at the end of the 19th century, after a Russian model from the second half of the 18th century.