Pair of French Square Brass Candlesticks France circa 1890

A pair of antique French square cast brass candlesticks from the Belle Epoque period in France circa 1890. These handsome candlesticks have a unique shape to them as they combine a square shape with a central circular column distinguished with a ribbed pattern. The base of each stick is square and is elevated at each corner with an animal paw foot topped with scrolled flourishes. The square base becomes smaller as it climbs upward to the centre and as it ascends each change in size is defined with a different pattern of decoration similar to architectural moulding. When it reaches the centre the shape changes to a square plinth with a decorative panel on each of the four sides. The top level of each plinth features a circular column defined as a "Doric" column because of its fluted and vertical profile that is symmetrical in design. The "Doric" is the first in the Classical order of column shapes originally seen in the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome. The top of each column is capped not with a capital but with a flat square section also with a patterned surface. The candle nozzle is of vase form and is decorated with a swag of classical drapery that encircles the entire outer edge. The profuse decoration that is visible on every surface was chosen to reflect the gleam of soft light and to give a dappled appearance to each candlestick. Because of their scale these candlesticks were used in an intimate space, perhaps on a writing or dressing table where their soft glow could be admired up close. The shape makes them quite unusual compared to the circular shape of most candlesticks and enables them to be displayed alone as artifacts of the nineteenth century. Conversely they are wonderful when illuminated by real candles as originally intended.