Lot 274

PAIR OF CANDELABRA MEISSEN

Richly decorated Rococo-style figural candelabra, modeled as a pair. The composition is based on twisted structures resembling stylized trees, from the tops of which emerge three floral candle holders. One candelabrum depicts a bearded man in a purple robe holding a lantern – likely a reference to the philosopher Diogenes, who, according to legend, searched for an “honest man” with a lantern even in broad daylight. The man kneels beside a barrel, another classical attribute of this figure, and the scene is surrounded by abundant floral decoration. The second candelabrum shows a drunkard or alchemist sitting on a tree stump with a bag of gold coins in his lap. Behind the figure is a modeled distillation apparatus – flasks and a tube leading to a brick furnace. This scene likely alludes allegorically to drunkenness, alcoholism, or perhaps to alchemy and the "search for truth" by other means. The composition, blending allegory and humor (philosopher vs. drunkard), reflects the duality of reason and sensuality, wisdom and pleasure – a popular theme in contemporary moral philosophy. The presence of the distillation apparatus is particularly exceptional, adding a rare scientific and grotesque undertone to the scene. Both compositions rest on richly decorated scrollwork bases with shell-like forms and gilding, in pastel tones typical of Meissen porcelain.

Damage: minor wear to the gilding, chipped petals on a few flowers.