Emile Coriolan Hippolyte Guillemin (1841-1907) Bronze Figurative Candelabra Lamp

This magnificent, gilt and patinated figural bronze candelabra with six candle arms, cast from a model by Emile Coriolan Hippolyte Guillemin (1841-1907), is titled Femme de la Renaissance, and was cast in the last quarter of the nineteenth century by Barbedienne of Paris. The figure measures 47.5 inches and the overall height is 68 inches. This lovely Grecian maiden in brown patina is draped in robes held by a repoussé breastplate or bodice cast with arabeseques, and a diadem, a jeweled headband worn as a symbol of sovereignty. Aloft she is holding a gilt candelabrum with five, symmetrically arranged candle arms emanating from a central stem with finial in the form of an oil lamp. The candelabrum has been newly wired and is ready for use. At the base the work is signed “E. Guillemin” and also carries the mark of the foundry, “F. BARBEDIENNE Fondeur.” The artist studied with his father, Emile Marie Auguste Guillemin (1848-1870), and with Jean Jules Salmson (1823-1902), prior to making his Paris Salon debut in 1870. In 1897 he received an honorable mention award at Salon.

This figure is a departure from the Orientalist figures and busts, particularly his Jeune Filles de Caire, for which Guillemin is best remembered, but it is no less exotic nor less attractive. Other exotic and large figural candelabra designed by Guillemin for Barbedienne include those entitled Femmes de la Indienne et Persane and Femme de la Japonaise. This particular example is believed to be the original and largest size cast by Barbedienne, and was likely produced in smaller versions.

A similar work by Guillemin from his Orientalist series, entitled Femme de la Indienne, was sold by Christie's in New York on April 24, 2001 in lot 293, sale 9684, for $127,000. And his work entitled Persane was sold by Christie's in London on March 6, 2014 in lot 108, sale 1514, for 47,500 BP ($79,325).