Ref. 1771/2

Baccarat

Manufacture de Cristal
(attributed to)

Neo-Greek Chandelier

France
Circa 1890

Height : 97 cm (38,2 in.) ; Diameter : 70 cm (27,6 in.)

Charming six-light chandelier, in clear and opaque cut crystal decorated with Greek friezes in orange tones. The central shaft, formed of inverted cones and cups, ends with a light concealed by a sphere with two crystal sides. It illuminates with five light-arms with twisted branches ending with engraved crystal cups decorated with palm leaves. The whole is adorned with numerous pendants and bells.

Biography

The famous crystal manufacture of Baccarat, that dates back to the 18th century, was awarded its first medal in 1823, during the “Exposition des Produits de l’Industrie” for the “brilliance and the sharpness of its crystal” and became then the most renowned French “cristallerie”. Baccarat was undoubtedly the only French manufacture, that exhibited steadily and magnificently its products at the various Universal Exhibitions, and especially between 1855 and 1867. Reports of the Universal Exhibition, from 1855 to 1867, talk about the “perfection of the material and of its cut”, considered superior of those from Bohemia or England.