Pair Of Aesthetic Movement Owl Candle Sticks

Finely made pair of candlesticks in bronze and gilt with the most exquisite detail of an owl with the original glass eyes still present. The eyes watch out over your table setting like a scene from a Harry Potter movie. Look away briefly and I swear they blinked at me. Petal leaves form the four feet with a circular base, two rosettes and a geometric patterned base. The eye catching design of the Owl is centre stage with a drip pan, capital and sconce atop this wonderful pair of 'Aesthetic Movement' candlesticks Circa 1860-1900. The Aesthetic Movement was a late 19th-century artistic trend in Britain that emphasized "art for art's sake," promoting beauty, refined taste, and artistic experimentation over the traditional Victorian focus on moral or narrative-driven art. This movement sought to break away from the heavily ornamented and rigid designs of the period, instead embracing elegance, simplicity, and craftsmanship inspired by both nature and classical influences. Birds held symbolic significance within the Aesthetic Movement, representing freedom, grace, and a romantic connection to nature. Their forms were incorporated into various decorative items, including candlesticks, vases, and ceramics. These avian motifs reflected the influence of Japanese art (where birds are common symbols), as well as a broader appreciation for natural beauty. Period: Aesthetic Movement 1860-1900 Material: Bronze Provenance: Came from a home in Wales Approximate Dimensions: 17cm high 8cm wide 8cm deep