A sculpted gilt wood torch holder

An important Louis XVI torch holder made out of sculpted gilt wood richly ornamented with foliage, garlands and woman busts resting on a tripod base with whirl shaped feet.
According to Harvard, the word flare is mentioned for the first time in the dictionary of the Academy in 1696. But, according to the author, the term is already used for over twenty years.
The first flare appeared to be a great candelabra significantly larger and more robust than an ordinary one. Around the end of the 17th century, the flare included several candlesticks. It is a way to multiply home lightings. A little bit later, the flare became a pedestal table on which candlesticks and candelabra were set.
Designed for wealthy homes, the silver flare is quite common but the versions in bronze and gilded wood appeared very quickly.



Bibliography:Les torchères, in Connaissance des arts, 1954, n° 27, p 40

F. Michel, Paire de torchères Louis XIV à plateau en scagliola, in l'Estampille, 1980, n°125, p 61.