L12305

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Lot 513
  • 513

A pair of gilt-bronze and patinated-bronze candlesticks Empire, circa 1805

Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • bronze
  • each 30cm. high; 12in.
the turned tapering shaft applied with a trident flanked by interlaced dolphins surmounted by three swans on a watery plinth supporting a circular dished drip-pan and laurel-leaf cast baluster nozzle, on a circular plinth mounted with classical masks and circular domed socle cast with palmettes and scrolls on a pounced ground; one trident broken, lacking drip-pans

Condition

In overall very good original condition. Can be placed immediately.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Comparative Literature:
Jean-Pierre Samoyault, Pendules et Bronzes d'Ameublement entrés sous le Premier Empire, Paris, 1989, p.176, no.157.

These candlesticks are conceived in the 'antique' manner poularised by C. Percier and P. Fontaine's Recueil de décorations intérieures, 1801, and recall the sun god Apollo, whose chariot was drawn at night by swans. Their laureled vases stand on fountain-capped columns displaying 'water' bas-reliefs of Neptune's dolphin-twined tridents beneath a tripod of addorsed swans; while their bases, hung with festive water-deity masks, stand on palm-flowered plinths. The patterns relate to candlesticks with owl-supports executed by the bronzier Claude Galle, such as those recorded in the 2ème salon de l'Impératrice at the Palais de Fontainebleau in 1807, see op. cit. Samoyault, p. 176, no.157.