Empire Style Annular Chandelier in Gilt Bronze with Arrow and Mascaron Decoration, Six Lights, Circa 1900

This chandelier features an annular gilt bronze structure held by radiating rods gathered upon a central sphere, itself pierced by a sheaf of fletched arrows — an emblematic motif of the Empire repertoire. The moulded ring is punctuated with crossing arrows and carries six scrolled lights adorned with chased mascarons, terminating in candle cups with faux candles.

This geometric and martial composition — arrows, sphere, annular crown — draws directly from the Neoclassical vocabulary of the First Empire spread by Percier and Fontaine. The Parisian bronziers of the Belle Époque produced elegant reinterpretations of it, of which this finely cast model is a fine example.

Condition report: Good general condition. Gilt bronze with an even, slightly amber patina, occasional wear from use. Wiring to be checked before use. A graphic and luminous chandelier, perfect above a round table or in an entrance hall.