A pair of Regency plaster and cut-glass figural candlesticks circa 1810

each in the form of a seated Grecian classical figure holding a candle nozzle hung with drops, one incised: Publish as the act direct by JD Giannelli June 24 1809 and the other: Publish as the act direct July 11 1809 by JD Giannelli

Good overall condition
"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."

From about 1760 to 1825 in Britain there was a great fashion for plaster sculpture and a large number of plaster shops existed. Sculptors modelled for these businesses or often the proprietors themselves ( usually highly competent modellers)  would provide three dimensional models which would then be used to create these sculptures. These businesses in turn plagiarized others` designs until an Act was passed in 1798 to provide a copyright.  The inscription on the present sculptures refers to this Act which dictated  that all subsequent works be signed and dated.

J D Gianelli was one a family of Italian sculptors who moved from Italy to England, via Copenhagen (see Journal of the History of Collections, vol.4, no.1 (1992), pp.55, 58. Giovanni Domenico (1775-1841?) is known to have produced light fittings during the period 1805-09.