EMPIRE STYLE GILT-BRONZE AND CRYSTAL EIGHT-LIGHT CHANDELIER,late 20th century. Crystal anthemion and flowerhead-mounted corona hung with swags of crystal drops above central flowerhead-cast band supporting eight scrolled candle-arms. The base hung with triangular-shaped prisms on concentric tapering circlets. The whole concealing fourteen additional interior bulbs and wired for electricity. - 68 in. x 45 in. diam.;additional 80 in. of chain and foliate-chased bronze canopy included. Estimate $20,000-25,000
PROVENANCE: Private Washington, D.C. collector
This chandelier hung in the building used from 1925 through 1977 as the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The building was used as both a Chancery and Ambassador's residence and was decorated with items from the Savoy collection of art and antiques. Prince Gelesto Caetani served as the Italian Ambassador to the United States and was a prominent engineer, responsible for the design and decoration of the building. Although Caetani was a principal hand in designing the building, he left his post in 1925 and never lived in the structure.
