Maison Marnyhac - Pair of Candle Holders - Gilded & Chiseled Bronze - 19th Century

A rare pair of chiselled and gilded bronze candlesticks in the Louis XVI / XVIII style, signed by the Maison Marnyhac and made at the end of the 19th century. Rich ornamentation in the "antique" Louis XVI style, featuring a design of vines, Greek motifs, and finely chiselled ram's heads, on a base decorated with vines and acanthus leaves. The two-tone gilding (matte and shiny) is in perfect condition (restored by the master gilder Alain Bellino in Nice). The drip pans are original. Signed/sculpted "Maison Marnyhac – 1 rue de la paix" on the base of the column. Maison Marnyhac is the trade name of the 'Société des Marbres et Bronzes Artistiques' founded by Charles de Marnyhac in Paris, initially located on Avenue de l’Opéra before moving to 1, rue de la paix. It competed with the greatest houses of the time, notably Barbedienne, and the quality of its productions was rewarded at the Universal Exhibitions of 1867 and 1878, where it won medals. Its reputation was such that the house opened an exhibition in London in 1875. "In summary, and I conclude on this appreciation for which I am ready to take full responsibility, the exhibition of the Maison Marnyhac clearly demonstrated to me that Paris has two Barbediennes, that is to say, two art industrialists whom the whole of Europe cannot match. This demonstration was worth a medal of honour; what do you think?" Emile de Bergerat, the masterpieces of art at the 1878 universal exhibition, Paris, L. Baschet, 1878, p. 188.