A pair of late George III ormolu four-light candelabra Circa 1800-1810, attributed to Rundell, Bridge and Rundell

with three curved candle branches in the form of foliate rinceaux centered by a fourth, each with nozzles in the form of antique oil lamps, the tapered shaft cast with three classically draped female figures, the base cast with drapery

Formerly in the collection of José Maria Sert (1874-1945), 252 rue de Rivoli, Paris.

 

An impressive lot. Each candleabrum is of some weight. One with a loose stem and slightly off centre upper tier. This same upper stem has three drill holes, probably for electric light. The gilding is generally good, however there are some isolated areas of tarnishing. Each drip tray has a dirty finish to the interior. The detachable drip trays have surface scratches and may well require additional components to support candles. Good quality.
"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."

The Royal Goldsmiths Rundell, Bridge and Rundell invoiced the Prince Regent for eight gilt-bronze candelabra of this model in 1811, though they may have been supplied up to eight years previously. Dated June 4, the bill describes them as "8 large antique Candelabrums with rich scroll branches, figured Pillars and chased Feet, to match The Marquis of Hertford's... 75 Gs ea" (see Royal Treasures: A Golden Jubilee Celebration, London: Queen's Gallery, 2002, no. 191, p. 269). Francis, 2nd Marquess of Hertford, was Lord Chamberlin of the Household 1812-1821, and his wife was a close friend and sometimes mistress of the Prince Regent. Their son, Lord Yarmouth, was a keen collector of French furnishings from 1802 onwards, acting as agent for the Prince and later laying the foundations of the Wallace Collection. It may have been Yarmouth who acquired the original French gilt-bronze candelabra, which the Prince admired and arranged for Rundell's to copy.

Rundell's had a strong business in bronzework, both gilt and patinated, and tried to rival Vulliamy & Son in this field. The pieces seem to have been both produced in their own workshops in Soho and out-sourced to other suppliers in the capital (see Christopher Hartop, Royal Goldsmiths: The Art of Rundell & Bridge 1797-1843, pp. 89-91). Among the items supplied to the Prince Regent were ormolu torchères after antique models and candelabra with Egyptian figures, the latter model also acquired by the Duke of Richmond and Marquess Wellesley.