A pair of gilt and patinated bronze four-light candelabra Empire, circa 1810

each with a Neo-Classical maiden holding two scrolling candlebranches cast with acanthus leaves, flowerheads, berries, palm leaves, stars and moons, the maiden's head supporting a vase issuing a vertical candlebranch and a horizontal scrolling candlebranch cast with the head of a hound, her feet perched upon a globe cast with the signs of the zodiac, on a pyramid-shaped pedestal

Gilding less yellow and more golden, figures less black and more brown, natural and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Very good quality casting. Some very minor rubbing to gilt-bronze especially to lower section of the vase. One anthemion is off but present from a candlebranch and one candlearm on the same candelabrum has snapped but still attached and both can easily be resoldered. An unusual and very attractive model. In very 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. 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."

Although these unusual candelabra appear to be an unrecorded model, the quality of their casting and chasing, and the richness of their decoration, suggests a leading maker such as Pierre-Philippe Thomire or Claude Galle. The maidens in fluttering drapery perched on globes relate to pairs of candelabra stamped Thomire à Paris in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, illustrated in H. Ottomeyer and P. Proschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, p.329, fig. 5.2.4, and also to pairs by Claude Galle at Versailles, illustrated ibid., p.335, figs.5.2.18. and 5.2.19.  The offered candelabra may have been inspired by a drawing of circa 1785 by Henri Auguste, illustrated ibid , p.284, fig. 4.14.8, showing a maiden with scrolling torches in her hands and a vase-candelabrum on her head.  They also relate to ornament on a commode designed by Percier and Fontaine, illustrated in plate 40, fig.3, of their Recueil de Décorations Intérieures  (Paris, 1801-12).