A pair of gilt-bronze candlesticks after the model by Jean-Démosthène Dugourc in Louis XVI style, first half 19th century

each with a candlenozzle in the form of a gadrooned urn on lion monopodia, the stem with four addorsed female caryatids draped with floral and fruiting swags, on circular bases cast with acanthus leaves and flowerheads

In very good condition. Very fine casting. Some of the ribbon is missing on the bows but this is not too noticeable.
"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:
Alan P. Darr and others,The Dodge Collection of XVIII century French and English art, in the Detroit Institute of Arts, New York, 1996, p.131 (71.216, 71.217), illustrates an identical pair of candlesticks in the Museum, circa 1850-1900.

The design of these candlesticks is based upon a late 18th century French model of which there are several variations. H. Ottomeyer/P.Pröschel,Vergoldete Bronzen, Vol. I, Munich, 1986, illustrate an identical model with the lion masks on the nozzles and grotesque mask on the body of the female term, on p. 286, fig. 4.15.2. Also see a design for the original model illustrated by H. Ottomeyer, op. cit., p. 287, fig. 4.15.6. The design is by Jean-Demosthène Dugourc (1749-1825), Paris, circa 1790 (Musée des Arts Décoratifs GF 21 no.38. 378), but the design has different candlenozzles and an octagonal platform on the heads of the terms and a garland across their chests.

A similar model based upon the Dugourc design is in the Wallace Collection, see The Wallace Collection, the Catalogue of Furniture, Peter Hughes, Vol. III, London, 1996, p. 1246, (FI74-175), attributed to François Rémond.