Taking its name from the woman who popularized them, the Maria Theresa Chandelier rose to the height of fashion during the reign of Austrian Empress Maria Theresa (1717-1780). These chandeliers are known for their graceful curves and their many large prisms. While the chandeliers appear to be constructed completely from glass, they do have a metal skeleton upon which the crystal is draped and hung. Since the Eighteenth Century, Maria Theresa Chandeliers have been an integral part of lighting design. In many ways, they define the very idea of the crystal chandelier.
This Maria Theresa Chandelier dates to 1920-1930 and comes from France. Typical of Maria Theresa design, the chandelier features arcing glass-arms, large
bobeche and swags of crystal beads, dripping with prisms. An addition of 1920’s style, this chandelier features “Kite Shape” prisms. With their rectilinear diamond-form, these prisms are an interesting counterpart to the traditional curvilinear
pendalogues.
Of course, this fixture has been rewired. When incorporating an antique or vintage chandelier into your décor, make sure that the wiring is sound. Very often, older wires will become brittle or deteriorate and may cause a hazard. An electrician will be able to help you decide if the wiring of your cherished fixture is safe.
2 comments:
Funny to remember that such beautiful pieces began from a simple desire to make candlelight go 'as far as possible' in the days when candles were heavily taxed. 'Making virtue out of necessity' is one thing, but chandeliers show this needn't be 'boring' or 'dull'.
I have a crystal table lamp see this video https://youtu.be/69X5qnq_SI8, I bought it in 1983
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