In the world of art and antiquities, few items capture the imagination quite like a candelabra. A symbol of opulence and refinement, these exquisite pieces often bear the weight of history and the artistry of unknown hands. The decorative object in question, a porcelain candelabra adorned with Mercury gilding, is a testament to the craft of an artist lost to time.
Candelabra before treatment
This candelabra, created by an unknown artist, is a breathtaking example of craftsmanship. Comprising a porcelain figure holding a delicate flower atop an ormolu base with candle holders, it stands as a testament to a bygone era's aesthetics. However, time had not been entirely kind to this piece. It arrived at the conservator's studio bearing scars of age and impact damage.
Candelabra before treatment; detail of broken fragments
The initial assessment unveiled a list of issues that required delicate and expert care. These included impact damage to the ceramic figure and candle holders, bent arms on the right candle holders with stress cracks, oxidation on the high points of the ormolu, impact damage at the figure's neck and flower petal tips, and wax accretions and paint droplets on the surface.
Candelabra before treatment, detail of candelabra arms
Conservation began with documenting the candelabra before and after treatment, recording its journey to revival. The fractured porcelain fragments were meticulously reattached using a reversible conservation adhesive. The ceramic and metal surfaces underwent a thorough cleaning with appropriate solutions and solvents.
Candelabra after treatment
Repairing the bent arms presented its own challenges. Treatment began by slowly cold-bending the arms back into shape, striving to restore them without causing further harm. Cold repair techniques involving stainless steel pins and epoxy were deployed in the event of fractures in the metal's crystalline structure. The figurine's Mercury gilded surface posed unique challenges. Due to its irreplaceable nature and vulnerability to heat treatment, the conservation had to proceed cautiously. While the potential for further fractures existed, the conservator aimed to breathe new life into the candelabra.
Candelabra after treatment, detail of figure’s head
Josh McCauley, Senior Conservator of Objects and Frames, shared insights into the conservation process. "The figure was quite fun to work on. Attaching and repairing the break line at the neck was relatively straightforward. The flower was more complicated to conserve, with delicate filling and shaping required. The inpainting was challenging, with a gradual blending of rich color and thin brushwork details."
Candelabra after treatment'; detail of arms
Derek Sutfin, who worked on the bent arms, explained his challenges. "I was concerned the metal would be fatigued from the initial damage, but moving slowly and carefully was a success. I also found that the original steel threaded inserts that held the candleholders to the arms were all degraded to the point of failure. I replaced them with stainless steel inserts. The structure is now sound, and all the arms are true."
Candelabra after treatment, verso
David, who commissioned the conservation of this beautiful candelabra, shared, "I think your team did a wonderful job with them. They're a pair of Chinese porcelain dating back to the mid-1700s, purchased in Paris. It is rare to find a pair, and in this case, they're a couple!" The candelabra's conservation stands as a testament to the dedication and skill of conservators who work to breathe new life into precious artifacts. With each careful touch, they ensure that the beauty of history continues to shine through the centuries.
Candelabra after treatment, back on display in the owner’s home with the companion piece
