L12304

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Lot 202
  • 202

A pair of gilt-bronze and patinated bronze candelabra Empire, circa 1810

Estimate
25,000 - 40,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • gilt bronze patinated bronze
  • each: 72cm. high; 2ft. 4¼in.
each in the form of a pylon supported by three addorsed seated Egyptial female figures with a cushion on their heads, the pylon applied with an owl issuing a garlanded flaming torch surmounted by a flaming oil lamp issuing three scrolled candlearms cast with winged lions and the nozzles in the form of a ewer centred by a further raised candlenozzle, on a concave-sided trifom base on flattened disc feet

Condition

In very good original condition. A beautiful and unusual model.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Comparative Literature:
Pierre Kjellberg, Encyclopédie de la Pendule Française du Moyen Age au XXe siècle, Paris, 1997, p. 366.
These candelabra are of a rare model with candlenozzles in the form of ewers and seated Egyptian female figures and although one cannot definatively attribute them, they are reminiscent of works by Louis-Auguste Hervieu (1765-1811). See for example a pair of Empire candelabra by this maker with a pylon base and winged lionesses supporting nozzles in the form of oil lamps and with an flaming oil lamp and owl, illustrated in L'Objet d'Art, no. 398, January 2005, no. 28.  

Also see a design for a clock with seated Egyptian female figures supporting owls on their heads, by Percier and Fontaine, p. 366, which must have also inspired the makers of this pair of candelabra, illustrated by Kjellberg, op. cit., p. 366.