A Pair of 19th Century Ormolu and Glass Table Lustres

A fine pair of table candelabra in the Gustavian manner, the finely chased ormolu bases each with two candle socles and supporting cut glass spears with gilt metal tops, the whole festooned with glass drops.

Gustavian style was brought to Sweden by King Gustav III, patron of the arts in his Country, after a visit to the Palace of Versailles. He was so impressed by what he saw that he decided to create his own “Paris of the North”. At this time, Sweden, was a major European force and, although not comparable to France or Russia, it was certainly able to compete with the grand royal houses of both countries.

Since the death of King Gustav III, in 1792 – due to a gunshot wound at a masked ball- the king has become synonymous with the bright fresh style of furniture that is known all around the world to this day. It is a restrained interpretation of the French Louis XV and Louis XVI style. The legs on chairs, tables and sofas are usually carved with serrulate detailing, often with a rosette at the top. Large gilded mirrors and wall sconces amplified the light during long and dark winters, whilst chandeliers tended to have five or seven arms. The style spread from the royal palaces of Drottningholm and Gripsholm to the houses of wealthy families and their country cottages, where it the style was seen as a more rustic interpretation. While palaces were decorated with gilded furniture, provincial homes were graced with white, gray or soft cream painted furniture.

This pair of table lustres epitomises Gustavian design with its lightness of form and the profusion of cut glass droplets around the ormolu candle sconces.