Early-19th Century French Empire Crystal-Cut and Gilt-Bronze Basket Chandelier

French Early 19th Century Empire Crystal-Cut and Gilt-Bronze Basket Chandelier A finely proportioned Empire gilt bronze and crystal-cut nine light tent and bag Chandelier. With an anthemion cast corona suspending chains of graduated almond shaped crystal-cut drops to a gilt bronze gallery issuing nine candle arms. The gallery is finely chased and surmounted by finely cast and chased flower head wreaths encompassing a crystal-cut drop. The bottom crystal chains terminate in a faceted acorn shaped finial. A six-light electrical fitting has been added to the inside of the gallery, otherwise the nine candle nozzles take candles. Our chandelier can be compared to an almost identical model illustrated at “Planches d'objets d'usage et de goût“ (number CD 5501) from the early 19th century. This compilation of drawings is part of the collection of the Museé des Arts décoratifs in Paris.