Rabiat: pair of signed candelabra from the Empire period

Magnificent pair of gilded and patinated bronze candelabra signed Rabiat from the very beginning of the 19th century.
Characteristic of the Empire period, these winged female figures whose clothing is animated by a breath of air, wanting to give the idea of movement, is a recurring theme in the decorations of the period.

They are reproduced here in a pair of candelabra with two arms of light in bronze with brown patina and chiseled and gilded bronze.
Each of these vestal virgins holds in her raised arms a basket of flowers simulating bobeches.
They stand with their feet half-raised on the dome of a column with a knurled pattern, in a swinging movement. The whole rests on a double square base. 

This pair of candelabras bears the signature of Claude François Rabiat on each of the interior crosspieces of the base.
Rabiat (1756-1815), foundry-engraver received master's degree in 1778. 
Started in 1769 as an apprentice in the workshop of Etienne Vignerelle, master “silver gilder-damascener-hubcaper on all metals” then obtained his master's letters as “metal gilder” in March 1778. Established at 41 rue Beaubourg, he directed a very prosperous factory which only supplies merchants such as: André Coquille and Thémet; bronze workers including: Thomire, Galle and Feuchère and watchmakers including: Bailly and Mallet. Upon his death, his three sons retained the family workshop and joined forces under the company name “Rabiat Frères” until 1819, when they continued their activity independently.

This pair of candelabras is in a very good state of conservation, with pretty original gilding. 

Very rare in this version with two arms of light, in my opinion more elegant than the one presenting an additional bobèche on the top of the winged figure.

This model of candelabra was also delivered to the Garde-Meuble by “Thomire Duterme” on June 15, 1818.
Called “pair of girandoles” in the title of Garde-Meuble, it was sent on June 18, 1818, three days later to the Elysée Palace, for the living room of the apartment of the Count of Nantouillet. 
GML inventory 2884/1 and 2

Empire period.

Each candelabra is signed Rabiat.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
- The hour, The fire, The light, the bronzes of the Mobilier National 1800-1870, Marie-France Dupuy-Baylet, Faton editions, p.262.

- Rabiat supplier to the great bronze makers and merchants of the imperial era" Denise Ledoux-Lebard in L'Estampille, l'Objet d'Art, April 1991 nº 246

- Dumonthier 1911, plate number 23. 

DIMENSIONS
Height 51 cm
Width: 26 cm

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