A Pair Of French Gilt-bronze Bear Candlesticks In The Manner Of Christophe Fratin, Circa 1880

A wonderfully whimsical pair of French gilt-bronze candlesticks, in the manner of the celebrated animalier sculptor Christophe Fratin (1801–1864), each modelled as a standing bear supporting a luxuriant flowering plant.

The bears are naturalistically cast with finely textured fur, standing upright on their hind legs and grasping the stems of modelled flowers and foliage. The open flower heads form the candle nozzles, cleverly integrating the functional element of the candlestick into the naturalistic composition.

The figures stand upon circular gilt-bronze bases with rope-twist borders, each mounted on a square rouge marble plinth.

The playful anthropomorphic treatment of the bears is strongly reminiscent of the work of Christophe Fratin, one of the most distinctive sculptors of the French animalier school. Fratin exhibited at the Paris Salon from 1831 and became particularly celebrated for his bears, which he frequently portrayed behaving like humans — dancing, playing musical instruments, drinking, reading and engaging in other humorous activities.

Although produced after Fratin’s lifetime, the present candlesticks belong firmly to this tradition. The combination of amusing animal subjects, accomplished bronze casting and exuberant naturalistic ornament reflects the continuing popularity of Fratin’s imagery in France during the later 19th century.