A PAIR OF LOUIS XIV ORMOLU CHENETS circa 1710

Sotheby's New York, May 16, 1987, lot 53

Marble bases later and with restored breaks and chips. Rocaille finial on chenets with female figure later, mid-18th century. Brazier of male figure with vacant screw hole on one side; possibly lacking ornament. Both with extensive rubbing. Both with some oxidation and surface dirt. In otherwise good 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Another pair of chenets of this very rare model from the Château de Parentignat was sold Christie's Paris, June 21, 2006, lot 369.  Another pair, but with different bases, is in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, illustrated N. Hoentschel, "Georges Hoentschel," 1999, p. 218.

The chenets represent fire and air. The female figure, representing Fire is now lacking the brazier and a salamander.  A pair of chenets corresponding to this description was sold from the collection of the duc de Tallard, Paris, March 22 - May 13, 1756, lot 1019: "1019: autre feu, orné de deux figures assis sur des piédestaux, accompagnées, L'une d'un phoenix, + l'autré d'un salamandre, attributs du feu. Il est pareillement doré d'or moulu, ainsi que les bronzes suivants. 421 l."

Marie-Joseph d'Hostun (1684-1755), who became duc d'Hostun (de Tallard) in 1713 and governor of Besançon in 1720, married Marie-Elizabeth de Rohan Soubise in 1713. Their hôtel particulier rue du Grand Chantier in the Marais was widely admired and featured in the 1749 Memorial de Paris guide where it was described as a "magnifique hôtel." His collection, sold following his death in 1756, comprised notable Italian paintings as well as a large collection of Antique marble vases, columns and table tops.

These chenets are also comparable to a model sold in the Duc  d'Auvmont sale in 1782 as lot 360: "Un feu, modele de Boule,à figures assises sur un tronc d'arbre, dont un côté représente Jupiter avec un Aigle et trépied; l'autre Junon; avec un Paon; placée chacune sur un pied carré long, cintré sur les bouts, les panneaux travaillés en broderies d'un genre singulier, dégagé à jour par bas, et supporté par quatre boules, gaine et rosettes." The plinth appeared to be different, but the description of the figures and the composition are the same. A pair of very similar chenets were sold as lot 67 in the Baron James de Rothschild sale in Paris on December 1, 1966.