A set of four Louis XVI ormolu three-branch wall lights circa 1770

Possibly René Weiller & Cie, Paris, 1950

Drilled and wired for electricity. One with inverted finial of lower section broken off but present. Scattered casting faults and cracks in scattered areas including to nozzles and finials. Gilding refreshed in areas. Small losses to the top of the garland on two branches on two different wall lights. Ormolu with some rubbing, oxidation and surface dirt throughout; should enhance with cleaning. In sound 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.

With their voluted arms issuing candle branches cast with acanthus, robust swags and urn finials these imposing wall lights closely relate to the designs of two of the most influential and well-known ornemanistes Jean-Louis Prieur (c. 1725-c. 1785) and Jean-Charles Delafosse (1734-1791). For wall lights with similar arms, basically identical garlands and an urn finial by Pitoin in the style of Delafosse, see Hans Ottomeyer and Peter Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Vol. I., Munich, 1986, p. 186, fig. 3.9.2. The present wall lights are also highly comparable with the works of one of the most celebrated bronziers of the eighteenth century, Philippe Caffieri (1714-1774). They show the most similarity with a set of bras de lumière believed to have been executed by Caffieri for Stanislas Poniatowski for the refurbishment of the royal palace in Warsaw, see Svend Eriksen, Early Neo-Classicism in France, London, 1974, p. 354 and pl. 213.; and with a pair signed fait par Caffieri, see   Ottomeyer and Pröschel, op. cit., pp. 190-91, figs. 3.10.4-3.10.4.4.