White Marble and Gilt Bronze Russian Chandelier

Crafted of white marble and meticulously wrought gilt bronze, this immensely rare chandelier is a lavish specimen of Russian decorative art. The combination of white marble and gilt bronze is unique to Russian neoclassical design, though this is quite possibly the sole example of their dual use in a chandelier. The closest known comparison is a set of sixteen ormolu and white marble hanging lamps that were supplied to Pavlovsk Palace in 1805, where they still hang in the palace’s impressive Grecian Hall. Crafted from white marble in the form of Roman lamps, those examples lack the sumptuous detail of the present piece. Masterfully worked, the chandelier's hand chiseled gilt bronze is in a class all its own – a trademark of only the most exceptional Russian bronze craftsmen.  Its neoclassical design reflects the fashion in Russia for the Empire style during the early 19th century when they largely looked to France for inspiration. The elegant scrolling arms are adorned by Egyptian mask