Style Other / Ref.15247

Pair of malachite chandeliers in the spirit of the Maison Bauguès, 1950s

This pair of chandeliers with stems and nozzles plated with malachite was crafted in the 1950s in the spirit of the creations of the Baguès house.

The Baguès house was founded by Noël Baguès in 1840. The company began manufacturing bronze lighting in the 1860s, following the widespread adoption of electric lighting, and quickly exported its chandeliers worldwide. The excellence of its craftsmanship and the luxury of its creations inspired the artisan of these chandeliers.

In the upper part, gilt bronze scrolls hold pendants. The straight stem, plated with malachite, is surrounded by crystal bead garlands. In the lower part, the chandelier extends into numerous light arms ending in gilt bronze and malachite-plated bobeches or crystal dagger-shaped decorations. The shaft ends in a ball also plated with malachite.

This intensely green semi-precious stone was particularly appreciated in the 19^th century. It mainly comes from Russia, which has significant deposits known since the 17^th century.

Used in blocks to create small objects, malachite is not suitable for making large pieces like those made from marble. This is why a technique called "Russian mosaic" was developed in the second half of the 18^th century. This technique involves plating thin slices of malachite to give the illusion of a solid block.

France discovered this technique when, in 1808, Alexander I of Russia (1777-1825) gifted Napoleon I (1769-1821) a set of precious malachite objects. Candelabras, large vases, and a basin were thus installed in the Emperor’s salon at Trianon, which became known as the "Malachite Room". The newfound beauty of this refined art inspired French artisans and sparked an enthusiasm that lasted until the 20^th century, as shown by this pair of chandeliers.