Large Empire-style hot-air balloon chandelier with tassels and ormolu mount with palmettes. It is lit by eight lights in the lower part and four more in the upper crown.
The name Montgolfière chandelier obviously refers to the Montgolfier brothers who, in 1883, took a very large balloon to an altitude of 400m, using heated air to achieve the first flight by a human being. This invention was so influential in the Louis XVI period that it was adopted in the decorative arts, and can be found on chair backs, clocks or, as here, the famous chandelier, whose shape is reversed. The shape reached its apogee during the Empire period, but was also revived throughout the 19th century.
Condition report: In very good condition. Re-electrified. The chandelier has been meticulously disassembled, cleaned and the crystals refixed with a beautiful gilding of the bronze mount.
- Reference :
- 3458
- Width :
- 60 (cm)
- Height :
- 118 (cm)
- Depth :
- 60 (cm)
- Period:
- 19th century
- Style:
- Napoleon III
- Materials:
- Gilded bronze, crystal
