A fine pair of French gilt-bronze and bronze ten light candelabra 19th century

in the manner of Pierre-Philippe-Thomire, on verde antico bases, some elements numbered

By family tradition Talleyrand
Sir Charles Henry Tempest, 1st Bt. (1834 - 1894), thence by descent to Ethel Mary Tempest (1869 - 1937) who married Miles Stapleton, 10th Lord Beaumont (1850 - 1895) thence by descent.

 

Sotheby's, London 1983
The Treasure Houses of Britain, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 3 November 1985 - 16 March 1986.

M. Girouard, 'Carlton Towers, Yorkshire I', Country Life, 26 January 1967, p.179, illustrated in the Morning Room.
Gervase Jackson-Stops ed. ,The Treasure Houses of Britain, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 3 November 1985 - 16 March 1986, catalogue no. 491, illustrated .

Generally these are in excellent condition. The bronze could benefit from a light cleaning according to taste. Minor chips to marble bases.There is an old minor restoration to the corner of one with a medium sized chip. One bobeche is missing and another bobeche appears a replacement.. There is some rubbing to one vase. They are an unusual and impressive 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:
Emma S. Mazzariol, La Malmaison, Novara, 1983, p. 59.
F.D., `Thomire, le Talleyrand du bronze doré', Connaissance des Arts, April 1956, p.78.

This impressive pair of candelabra was formerly thought to date to the last quarter of the 18th century and attributed to the celebrated Parisian bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843), who was often inspired in his oeuvre by Antique models. However, these candelbara are of later manufacture and date to the 19th century.

There is a very similar pair of candelabra in the château de Malmaison upon which this pair are almost certainly based, illustrated by Mazzariol, op. cit., p. 59. Furthermore, two other pairs of related candelabra are recorded in the offices of the French  President at Trianon-sur-Bois and other related examples are at Schloss Ludwigslust, Württemberg and the Palace of Pavlovsk, St. Petersburg.