A pair of Directoire ormolu and patinated bronze figures of l'Etude circa 1780-85, attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire, after the design by sculptor Simon-Louis Boizot

each in the form of an oil lamp, with flame-form candle nozzle and a seated classically draped female figure, raised on an oval socle and a square base. Pierced for wiring.

In overall good condition, with minor marks and traces of oxidation to the ormolu. Some of the mounts loose. Rubbing and minor losses to the gilding. Some wear and minor losses to the patination.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This figure is based upon the model made by Simon-Louis Boizot for the Sèvres porcelain factory to be produced in biscuit.  It was a successful and much repeated model which was used in a variety of ways.   An identical example in a private German collection, is illustrated, Ottomeyer, Pröschel et al., Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, Vol. I, p. 294, fig. 4.17.1.  A drawing attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire in the musée des Arts décoratifs in Paris shows, on the right hand side of the chimneypiece, a model very close to this design (see J. Bourne and V. Brett, Lighting, Paris, 1992, p. 156, fig. 530).  Also two sketches which are published in an article by P. Roseberg and B. Perronnet, 'un album inédit de David', Revue de l'Art no. 142, reflect the popularity and success of this particular model.  After Thomire succeeded Duplessis at the manufacture de Sèvres in 1783, he began collaborating with Boizot, executing ormolu mounts to decorate pieces of porcelain.

The figure representing  L'étude was frequently accompanied by a male figure representing la Philosophie and can be found on a celebrated group of clocks by the bronzier François Rémond.  The female figure also appears on a pair of  chenets in the Grand Trianon, illustrated, Ottomeyer, et al., op. cit.  p. 294. fig. 4.17.3.  Two identical figures of L'étude are in Pavlovsk Palace, illustrated, E. Ducamp, Pavlovsk The Collections, Paris, 1993, p. 42, another figure of L'étude (paired with the figure of Philosophy) is in the J. Paul Getty Museum, illustrated, G. Wilson and C. Hess, Summary Catalogue of European Decorative Art in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, 2001, no. 189, p. 93