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Director’s Choice –The ‘Four Elements’ Candelabra
The Empire and the Regency Style were born out of the formal Neoclassicism that dominated late eighteenth-century European buildings and decoration. These styles were stimulated in large part by the bitter rivalry of France and England and their rulers. Napoleon I (1769-1821), self-styled Emperor of the French, chose to extend France’s imperial grandeur through force of arms. Upon assuming the throne in 1804, he immediately launched an ambitious art and design program that lasted until his reign ended in 1815. Across the English Channel, the Prince Regent, the future King George IV (1762-1830), sought ways to celebrate England’s heritage through his active patronage of the arts. This magnificent pair of Paul Storr candelabra are my Director’s choice this week.
