A fine set of four gilt-bronze wall lights Louis XV, mid 18th century

in the manner of François-Thomas Germain, each with a ribbon-tied berried acanthus leaf backplate issuing three similarly cast scrolled candlearms; drilled for electricity

Colour of gilding less greenish, more golden and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Attractive model with fine detail to casting. Some very minor rubbing. It would appear that the guilloche cast nozzle on one should be in the centre of the candlearm, but because of the protruding pin, which must have been changed some time in the past cannot be reaffixed there at present, but this can easily be changed. The central circular plate that should be in the centre of the drip-pan below the same nozzle is missing, but this can easily be replaced. This circular section is also missing beneath another guilloche cast nozzle resulting in the drip-pan being unstable, but this can easily be secured. In overall 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."

Comparative Literature:
G.Wilson, Selections from the decorative arts in the J. P.Getty Museum, J.P.Getty Museum, Malibu, California,1983, pp. 50-51.

This set of wall lights is inspired by a set of four wall lights by François-Thomas Germain (b. 1726, master 1748, d. 1791), now in the Getty Museum and illustrated by Wilson, op. cit., p. 50 (accession number 81.DF.96.1-4), reproduced here in fig.1. The original model is in the form of laurel bunches tied with a ribbon although the present pair are cast with acanthus leaves and have different nozzles. The Germain set were produced in 1756 and of massive size. Each wall light is cast from a different model and two are inscribed by him. They were made for the duc d' Orléans and were hung in the Palais Royal, two in his Chambre de Parade and two in the Salle des Jeux. They may well have been designed by the architect Contant d'Ivry, who was decorating the Palace at this time. They are also depicted in situ in two engravings of the rooms in Diderot and d'Alembert's Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire Raisonné des Sciences, printed in 1762. They then were sold at the duc d'Orléans sale in 1783 and were purchased by the Crown finally ending up at Mentmore Towers in the late 19th century in the collection of Baron Meyer de Rothschild.

Although the offered set are on a much smaller scale and have many variations they were obviously inspired by the celebrated set by Germain.