Paire de flambeaux aux enfants en bronze doré et marbre blanc d’époque Louis XVI, vers 1780

figurant un garçon et une fille avec les attributs de l’hiver et de l’été ; en suite avec le lot précédent ; (avec des bras de lumières amovibles à l’origine)

The illustration is accurate. Good overall condition. Some chips on the marble base and a light green color on the upper base with a small break which has been restored. On one candelabra, the missing vase of the arm of light which exists on lot 229 has been replaced by a later cylindrical element. Both vases are drilled for electricity. Exquisite details with a lovely chasing. This additional lot is en suite with the previous lot which and is not illustrated in the paper catalogue but visible on the website. Lot 230 is the same model than lot 229 without the arms of light which are missing. Both lots represent the four seasons : lot 229 : autumn (grapes) and spring (flowers), and lot 230 : summer (wheat) and winter (fur cape and oak leaves). The marble of lot 229 would benefit from a small cleaning to match the color of the marble of lot 230. The height of the marble bases of lot 229 and 240 is slightly different.
"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."

Cette paire de flambeaux est en suite avec le lot précédent ce qui permet d’en apprécier l’importance de la série. En effet il s’agit à chaque fois de deux enfants, un garçon et une fille mais qui possèdent chacun des attributs propres et renvoient aux Quatre Saisons où chaque attribut, les guirlandes de fleurs, la gerbe de blé, les pampres et les feuilles de chêne sont des références allégoriques traitées avec une grande délicatesse. Le travail du bronze est remarquable, la ciselure extrêmement détaillée est certainement l’œuvre d’un grand bronzier.  Ces quatre pièces constituaient à l’origine une série entière que le hasard permet aujourd’hui de rassembler.