Antique Pair of French Figural Spelter Candlesticks Renaissance Soldier Sculptural Mantel Pieces

A striking pair of antique Victorian French figural candlesticks cast in spelter with a rich dark bronze patinated finish. Each is modelled as a Renaissance style attendant or soldier dressed in period costume and holding aloft a tall stem terminating in a foliate sconce. These are particularly well executed examples with expressive faces, flowing garments and finely cast bases decorated with scrolling foliage. The figures stand in relaxed natural poses which gives them strong decorative presence and a sense of movement typical of late 19th century French design. Figural candlesticks such as these were produced as both functional and decorative objects designed to adorn mantelpieces, sideboards or dining tables. By this period they were chosen as much for their theatrical and historical styling as for practical use bringing character and depth to an interior. These work particularly well as sculptural decorative pieces on a mantel or console where their height and form create balance and visual interest. Date: 1880 Origin: French