Lot 22
  • 22

A pair of Louis XIV ormolu four-light candelabra circa 1710, the model attributed to André-Charles Boulle

Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 USD
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Description

  • bronze
  • height 20 1/2 in.
  • 52 cm

Condition

Generally with traces of oxidation, some small cracks, surface dirt and some verdigris in scattered areas. One with restored break to one arm. Lacking some elements including some under drip trays and under middle section with ceasars portraits. Both pieces with drill holes (some now filled) indicating that the piece might have been wired for electricity. Probably previously mounted as lamps - central nozzle and drip pan probably later replacements. Some regilding in places. In otherwise good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

This model of candelabra (girandoles à sphinx et têtes de beliers) is firmly attributed to André-Charles Boulle by Jean Nérée Ronfort, see André-Charles Boulle: die Bronzearbeiten und seine Werkstatt im Louvre; Ottomeyer, Pröschel et al., Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, Vol. II, pp. 459-520, made after a design by Jean Bérain. Ronfort states that two versions are known with either four or five candle branches and cites a mid-18th century reference to a pair with four branches listed in the inventory taken after the death of Marin de la Haye in 1753:

No. 187 ... deux grands girandoles au dessus de forme triangulaire à quatre bobèches avec des sphinx sur chacun des triangles, le tout de cuivre doré d'or moulu, prisées ensemble 340 livres and

No. 216 ... sur chacune desquelles est un chandelier triangulaire à quatre bobèches, sur chacun des triangles desquels est un sphinx, let tout en cuivre doré d'or moulu .. prisé 680 livres. Ronfort, op. cit. p. 503.

Other 18th century references have been recorded, the earliest in 1724 from the inventory of the wife of the merchant T.J. Hébert: Une paire de girandoles à sphinx à trois branches et une bobèche au dessus chacune de bronze doré d'or moulu etc... 350 l..

In 1736, from the inventory of the Duc d'Antin: Deux girandoles à quatre bobèches chacune garnie de sphinx sur leur pied en trianle de cuivre doré d'or moulu .. 500 livres.

A later 18th century reference links the name of André-Charles Boulle as author of these girandoles: In 1776, in the collection of Blondel de Gagny at the Château de Garges: quatre girandoles de Boulle à quatre lumières et sphinx de bronze doré d'or moulu ...220 livres

Examples of these girandoles were sold at auction in the 18th and 19th century as follows: in Paris, M. Poullain, 1780, no. 203, sold for 150 livres; in Paris M. Clocher and M.D.... 1789, Nr. 388 (with four branches); in Paris. M. Beaudouin, April 9 1793, two pairs nrs. 237 and 238; in London, Christie's, Mr. Ralph Bernal, March 5, 1855, lot 42, (with five branches).

More recently, the following girandoles are recorded: Collection of Baroness Cassel van Doorn, Paris, March 9, 1954, lot 58, (stamped with the Crowned C); Christie's, London, March 17, 1960, lot 41; Sotheby's, London, November 12, 1965, lot 6 (five branches). A set of four girandoles with four lights, formerly in the collection of the Duc d'Arenberg, with fluted baluster centers was on the Paris art market. A pair is conserved at Warwick Castle in England, and another pair is at Waddesdon Manor, illustrated, Geoffrey de Bellaigue, The James A. de Rothschild Collection at Waddeson Manor, Fribourg, 1974, Vol. II, pp. 684-685. A pair in the Greenberg collection was sold Sotheby's, New York, May 21, 2004, lot 14.