A complete set of figurative candlesticks depicting the four seasons.

As allegories of the seasons, this four-tiered composition has pedestals with rocaille-style relief decoration, featuring bold spiral forms that ascend and are partially adorned with vine-shaped candlesticks, topped with vase-like scrolls above drip pans with leaf reliefs. Standing flowers in colorful white robes hold a bouquet of flowers in both hands, symbolizing spring. Ceres, representing summer, is dressed in a white cloak decorated with American Indian flowers, holding a sheaf of grain and a sickle. Bacchus, with a bunch of grapes, depicts autumn. A bearded old man, in the guise of winter, warms his hands by a blazing fire, dressed in a fur, purple-colored mantle. Each of the four figures is accompanied by a boy with corresponding attributes. Polychrome painting with rich gold decoration. Possibly made by Johann Joachim Kändler and possibly Peter Reinicke. Some parts are missing or minimally restored. Some cracks and sword marks. Height 29 cm - 31 cm. Candlesticks of this kind were often used as table decorations at festive events. See Ayers, James A. The De Rothschild Collection, No. 35; Walcha, Fig. 130; Rückert, Fig. 716f. A complete set of figural candlesticks depicting the four seasons. Minor restorations. There are minor cracks in some places. Marked with "Crossed Swords." Meissen. Mid-18th century.