A pair of Italian faux bronze, gilt gesso and carved giltwood torchères, Sicilian early 19th century

each with a hexagonal top within a beaded border above a stem carved with stylised palm leaves above addorsed bearded masks terminating in a spirally fluted leaf carved vase and concave-sided triform base on paw feet; minor variations in height; losses and replacements to leaf tip carving; decoration refreshed 

Colour of gilding more golden and painting slightly darker to simulate bronze, and overall more attractive than in the catalogue photograph. The foot on one of the torchères has been broken in the past but not very well restored leaving a slight gap, and would benefit from a more synthetic restoration. On one two leaf tips are missing, a central section of one is missing a small portion, and there have been some minor restorations generally to the leaves which have been well-executed. On the other, there is quite a significant section of one of the leaves missing, and it also has a break. There are also some old minor restorations to the leaf sections. Minor chips to the decoration generally. Attractive detail to carving, in overall good restored condition. Highly attractive model.
"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:
E. Colle, Il Mobile Impero in Italia, Milan, 1998, cat. n. 1-5.
E. Colle, Il Mobile Neoclassico in Italia, Arredi e Decorazioni dal 1775 al 1800, Milan, 2005, pp. 90-91. 
M. Giarrizzo, A. Rotolo, Il Mobile Siciliano, Palermo, 2004, cat. no. 164-169, 172, 182.

This unusual pair of torchères with their low relief carved decoration is reminiscent of a group of furniture made for the Palazzo Cinese in Palermo, which in turn were inspired by Pompeiian examples. The simulation of bronze and gilt-bronze in their decoration and the palm leaves and neo-classical form are typical of this group of furniture. Palazzo Cinese in Palermo was acquired by King Ferdinand IV, when his family were forced to flee the French invasion of Naples in 1798 and established their main residence there. It is worthwhile comparing a guéridon table with similar palm frond supports and addorsed masks, illustrated by Colle, op. cit., p. 90, described as Neapolitan, circa 1796-1799, in Palazzo Cinese, Palermo, reproduced here in fig.1.

A related pair of guéridons, was sold, lot 354, Sotheby's, Milan, 19th & 20th December 2006.