A Russian gilt-bronze, bronze, blue glass and Berlin biscuit porcelain lithophane candelabrum, St. Petersburg, the lithophane after the painting by Paul Emil Jacobs of `Ali Pasha and Kiri Vassiliki' second quarter 19th century

with a removable rectangular white porcelain lithophane panel depicting `Ali Pasha and Kiri Vassiliki', numbered on the reverse 187, on an adjustable ribbed flaring baluster stem entwined with a serpent, supporting a candelarm on a triform bronze and white marble base cast with foliage

The lithophane panel is pure white within a gilt-bronze border which is not apparent from the catalogue photograph and cast with foliage. Some miniscule chips to white marble base which is slightly dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. An unusual piece in overall very good condition. Charming detail and subject matter of the lithophane panel.
"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:
Arcadi Gaydamak, Russian Empire, Moscow, 2000, p. 83, illustrates a stand for valuables and watches with a similar ribbed coloured glass stem entwined by a serpent, reproduced here in fig.1. The image of a snake symbolised reason and often the allegorical significance of these symbols on utilitarian objects was often symbolic.

The lithophane is after a painting by Paul Emil Jacobs executed in Rome in 1840 on commission from the King of Wụrttemberg for his 'Villa Wilhelma.' The initial title for the painting was Scherezade telling a tale to the Calif as befitted the exotic Orientalist setting of Wilhelma. It is much more likely that the composition depicts the Greek girl Kira Vassiliki and the Ali Pasha depicted in a later painting by Paul Emil Jacobs (1802-1866), signed and dated 1842, sold Sotheby's, The Greek Sale, 17th April 2008, lot 12, reproduced here in fig. 2. It was widely circulated in the form of lithographs by Franz Hanfstaengeland C. Fischer. 

This candelabrum can also be used without the delicate lithophane panel for every day use.