Belle paire de lustres en cristal de roche, verre taillé et métal doré, travail gênois en partie du XVIIIe siècle

à vingt-quatre lumières; richement ornés de fleurs, gouttes, perles et poignards en cristal de roche

Exceptionally rare 18th century pair. We would say that 90% of the crystal is original, and the restoration which we mention in the catalogue rather refers to the additional elements which have been fixed when the chandeliers have been electrified. These elements can be taken out and the chandeliers can be returned to their original condition. We would say that the central stem on the lower part could have been altered to accomodate a new crystal when it has been electrified. Most of the drops are rock crystal, some of them crystal, still old but maybe not contemporary. The metal work (most probably gilt brass for the nozzles and drip pans) is tarnished and would benefit from a cleaning as the chandeliers are very dirty. The insides of the drip pans are not gilded as it should be on the 18th century original, and the candle nozzles have been pierced for wiring. One of the two has two branches detached and need to be re-soldered.
"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."

Les lustres en cristal de roche étaient très prisés au XVIIIème siècle à Gênes. Ils étaient souvent surmontés d'une couronne comme nos lustres. Dès le XVIIème siècle les lustres du même modèle étaient à la mode et on en trouve un exemple sur une gravure de La Haye en 1660, illustré par P. Thornton, Seventeenth Century Interior Decoration in England, France and Holland, UK, 1978, pl.257, p.270.
Des lustres gênois de modèle similaire furent vendus chez Sotheby's à Londres, le 10 Mars 1999, dans la Collection Rossi, lots 186 (vendu £106,000) et 190 (vendu £106,000).