Four Large Louis Xvi Style Rock Crystal Quartz And Bronze Candlesticks

Four large and elegant Louis XVI-style candlesticks composed of rock crystal quartz with bronze mounts. Each candlestick is constructed in multiple sections of faceted and carved quartz, assembled around a central bronze rod. The tall baluster-form stems are cut with spiral fluting and stepped collars, rising to a circular drip pan and a cylindrical nozzle fitted with bronze liners. The drip pans are broad and flat, designed to catch wax, and are also worked in quartz with sharp geometric edges. The bases are domed and carved with a scalloped swirl pattern, also executed in rock crystal quartz. These rest on small bronze ball feet that elevate the structure slightly above the surface. The lower edge of each base is enclosed by a scalloped gilt bronze rim, securing the quartz while adding structural reinforcement. The combination of natural clarity and internal inclusions within the quartz provides subtle variation across the four examples, emphasizing their hand-carved execution.The Louis XVI style is reflected in the symmetry and architectural balance of the design, combining classical forms with the use of precious materials. Rock crystal was a favored material in high-end French decorative arts, often paired with gilt bronze to achieve both durability and refined presentation. These candlesticks demonstrate the technical precision required to cut and shape large pieces of quartz into uniform sections. Their scale and material align with the traditions of late 18th-century French luxury objects, where hardstone and gilt bronze were employed in both lighting and ornamental pieces.