Eugène Lefèbvre (1848-1907) Desk silver candlesticks 'Crocus'

About this piece

Two beautifully and rare relief-formed silver candlesticks in the shape of a crocus, they were made to order, so unique, and were intended for a desk, hence their small size. The candlesticks are executed in first-grade (sterling) silver and are a design by the famous silversmith Eugène Lefebvre, a well-known name in the Art Nouveau period, who also exhibited at the major Salons and the World Exhibition.

Both candlesticks are hallmarked with the first-grade (sterling) French silver hallmark and with Eugène Lefebvre's own maker's mark, a diamond-shaped hallmark with a bird in the center, with an E and an L on either side.

Provenance:
These candlesticks have a special provenance, they were part of the renowned collection of Baron Rodolphe de Planta de Wildenburg (1915-1991), Versailles, whose estate was auctioned off in 1999, including these two candlesticks.

Short biography:
Eugène Lefèbvre (Fr. 1848-1907), Eugène was trained as a goldsmith and watchmaker and worked with his father François Lefèbvre, who had a business as a watchmaker. In 1874, Eugène took over the business and also started making jewellery. In 1880, his sons Charles and Eugène also joined the business. Soon they were making jewellery and small silverware in the Art Nouveau style together. They exhibited at the Parisian Salons and the International Expositions such as the World Exhibition of 1900. Due to their high quality and unique designs in the Art Nouveau style, the name Eugène Lefebvre, under which they continued to work, remains a household name among connoisseurs to this day.

Condition

In very good used condition.