Nine Light Candelabra with Six Figures, Masks, and Chimeras

Antoine-Louis Barye

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is a candelabrum with a complex composition of figures and decorative elements. At its base, there are three nude figures, two adults and a child, intricately intertwined. One adult is holding a long object. The main stem is adorned with ornate detailing, including winged cherubic figures and floral motifs supporting the candle holders. The sculpture is made of a dark metal, likely bronze, with a rich, uniform color. The entire structure is finely detailed with various textures, from the smooth skin of the figures to the textured petals of the floral elements.