Pair of Fine Ormolu and Green Marble Eight-Light Torcheres/Centerpieces

Product Description

An unusual and rare pair of ormolu and green marble eight-light torcheres/floor centerpieces attributed to E. F. Caldwell and Co New York. In the Empire style, the circular pierced frieze decorated with swans and anthemia above a ribbon-entwined floral border, on four paw-footed supports, each with a metal plaque engraved Georges A Glaenzer & Co. 1891. These unique torcheres are easily attributable to the NY maker E. F. Caldwell and Co, New York, retailed by Georges A. Glaenzer & Co., New York, dated 1891.

Born in Paris, interior decorator Georges A. Glaenzer (d.1915) was a member of the French Commission at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Returning to the United States in 1880, he worked for such illustrious clientele such as the Vanderbilts and John D. Archbold. In the late 1880s, he contributed his talents to the construction of the Vanderbilt mansion in Hyde Park, New York, joining the ranks of such notables as architect Stanford White and lighting designer Edward F. Caldwell who catered exclusively to America’s elite. The decorator undoubtedly favored the Empire style, having dove-tailed original period furnishings from Napoleon’s former château Malmaison with late 19th century replicas in the overall opulent design of the country residence. Between 1891 and 1894, Glaenzer oversaw the interior decoration of the New York townhouse of Joseph A. Taft, again incorporating revival decorations such as these Torcheres, (dated 1891) with those of the great designers and architects who flourished under Napoleon.

Caldwell & Co. was America’s premier producer of lighting and other metal objects during the turn of the 20th century through the 1940s. Notable clients of Caldwell lighting fixtures included the Rockefellers, Carnegies, and Roosevelts, and the company was also commissioned for famous landmarks such as the Grand Central Terminal and the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. The White House also has many Caldwell lighting decorations throughout. Caldwell & Co. manufactured unique and intricate lighting fixtures in their Manhattan factory, such as chandeliers, electrified lamps, and wall sconces.

Height: 53.75 in (136.53 cm)
Diameter: 15.5 in (39.37 cm)