A pair of German gilt-bronze-mounted polychrome painted carved wood wall lights mid 18th century

with three scrolled candelarms; restorations

Colour slightly darker overall and more attractive than in the catalogue photograph. The arms have all been restored where they have broken in the past but this has been well executed. There are some minor chips and losses which do not detract from the piece. There is a small section of the leaf chipped off the base of the right one revealing the carcass wood as visible from the photograph but this can be touched up. In overall good conserved condition and rare with good quality carving comparable to the Seehof Garden furniture in the Metropolitan Museum, New York.
"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:
D.O. Kisluk-Grosheide, European Furniture in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2006, p.152-154.
Apollo Magazine Nr.248, Rococo Furniture from Schloss Seehof, October 1982, p.263 - 266 .

The present lot strongly resembles in style and execution the celebrated, "Seehof Garden Furniture". This important group was commissioned by one of the most powerful Prince-Bishops of Southern Germany, Adam Friedrich Graf von Seinsheim (1708 - 1779), for his summer residence Schloss Seehof near Bamberg. The Seehof Furniture, is an example of South German craftmanship seen at its best. This furniture is now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection).