A George II carved pine eagle wall bracket circa 1740, in the manner of Francis Brodie

the gadrooned shelf now with an Egyptian alabaster top, the eagle support boldly modelled turning to dexter with tucked in claws above pendant tail feathers, dry stripped  back to the original off white painted finish

Good overall condition. With some traces of gilding. Age cracks and some characteristic shrinkage to moulding around top.
"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."

The carving and the form of the present bracket compares closely with a set of three carved and gilt console tables made by Francis Brodie for Innes House, Morayshire, illustrated in Francis Bamford, The Dictionary of Edinburgh Cabinet-Makers, 1983, pl.24B.

Peter Francis Brodie was born in 1708 and became apprenticed to John Antonius prior to his marriage in 1740 to Cicel Grant.  At about this time he opened up a shop at his house on the south side of the Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, which displayed a sign bearing a portrait titled `Palladio' with his own name beneath.  This was no doubt intended to align himself with such leading exponents of the classical style as William Kent and his followers, typified by the design of the offered tables. Among Brodie's patrons were The Duke of Hamilton for whom he supplied furniture at Holyroodhouse. Brodie maintained his position as one of the leading Edinburgh cabinet-makers for the next forty years, recording details of his business on 23rd April 1754 in the Evening Courant, where he advertised a `Variety of Looking Glasses, Cabinet and Chair Work, and several other sorts of Furniture; and also great Variety of Chimney-Tyles...'. He also described himself as `Wright and Glass Grinder'.  In 1773 Francis took his son William into business partnership and between the years of 1775 and 1777 he held the position of Deacon of the Incorporation of Wrights giving him automatic membership of the Town Council. This was of great benefit to him as it provided him with a near monopoly of all joinery and cabinet-work authorised by the council.   Following the death of Francis Brodie in 1782, the family business passed to his son William.

One of a pair of pair of very similar gilded brackets of the same scale are illustrated in the Norman Adams catalogue, 1989, pl. 5