A refined pair of Empire Revival candlesticks, likely French or Northern European, late 19th century. Cast in a combination of gilt bronze and black-lacquered metal, these candlesticks exhibit all the hallmarks of the Napoleonic Empire aesthetic: vertical fluting, stepped circular bases with laurel wreath engravings, and classical columnar shafts. The contrast between the matte black and gleaming gilt evokes the severe elegance of Directoire taste, which sought to revive Roman imperial grandeur through a neoclassical lens. Tall and architectural, this pair brings gravitas to any mantle or formal dining table, embodying balance, symmetry, and enduring refinement.