Single-Light Bronze Candlestick with Owl Figure
Decorative art / Lighting fixture • French or Italian school; manner of the Grand Tour bronzes.
Style & Movement
Eclecticism / Neo-Renaissance / Revivalist
Medium & Technique
Cast bronze with dark brown/black patina; secondary chasing and cold-working for plumage detail.
Creation Period
Late 19th Century (circa 1870-1890)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10-12 inches in height; vertical orientation with asymmetrical arm extension.
Subject Description
A figurative owl perched upon a rectangular tiered plinth, supporting an acanthus-scrolled arm that terminates in a gadrooned candle nozzle. The owl symbolizes wisdom and the night, while the finial above features a fleur-de-lis motif.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the patina remains largely intact with minor rubbing on high points.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $700
Auction Estimate
$300 - $500
Provenance History
Likely originated as part of a fireplace garniture or desk set; typical of high-quality souvenirs or domestic luxury goods from the late Victorian era.
Art Historical Significance
A fine example of 19th-century animalier influence in decorative arts, reflecting the era's fascination with classical symbols and the Gothic Revival interest in nocturnal motifs.
Notable Features
High-quality casting of the feathers; sophisticated acanthus scroll work; the contrast between the rigid geometric base and the organic form of the owl.
Condition Issues
Slight oxidation to the bronze; candle wax residue in the nozzle; minor surface scratches on the base.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning to remove wax; application of a microcrystalline wax (like Renaissance Wax) to protect the patina; avoid abrasive cleaners.