Bidspirit auction | FRENCH AFTER CHRISTOPHE FRATIN BRONZE

FRENCH AFTER CHRISTOPHE FRATIN BRONZE BEAR CANDLESTICK - A whimsical patinated bronze animalier candlestick depicting a pair of performing acrobatic bears. After Christophe Fratin (French, 1801–1864). The composition features a lower bear balancing a tall, textured pole on its snout, supporting a second bear wearing a hat and balancing horizontally with outstretched arms that terminate in two candle nozzles. The naturalistic base is detailed with cast performance props, including a knife and tossing rings, and bears the cast signature ”FRATIN” along the top edge. The hollow-cast underside is fitted with four brass pad feet. French animalier, performing bears, circus sculpture, whimsical bronze, candelabrum, rustic decor, 19th century style, taper holder Dimensions H: 15 1/2 in. All measurements are approximate. Condition The bronze exhibits a mottled brownish-green patina with light surface wear, minor rubbing to the high points, and traces of oxidation in the deeper crevices. The four circular brass feet attached to the underside appear to be later replacements or additions. No structural breaks or active repairs are visible.