Girandoles

This pair of girandoles, or ornamental candelabras, presents a striking fusion of classical elegance and naturalistic detail. Each piece features a central figure, a classically draped woman, whose pose and flowing garments evoke ancient statuary. She holds aloft a cornucopia-like form, from which delicate glass prisms cascade, designed to refract candlelight and create a dazzling display. The rich gilt bronze, now mellowed with age, would have originally gleamed, contrasting beautifully with the smooth, cool marble bases. The craftsmanship here speaks to the mid-19th century's appreciation for elaborate decorative arts, where functional objects were transformed into sculptural statements. Isaac Broome, who created these around 1848, was primarily known for his work in parian porcelain later in his career, making these earlier, gilt-bronze pieces a less common example of his output.