A pair of French bronze, gilt-bronze and white marble candelabra by E. Colin et Cie, Paris late 19th century

each in the form of a winged cherub in drapery holding aloft four candlebranches cast with flowers and leaves on a socle cast with a band of berried laurel and twisted -ribbon, on a square base, and foliate cast bracket feet, the top of the socle signed E. Colin et Cie, Paris; two flowerheads recast

In overall good conserved condition. Very miniscule scattered chips to white marble square bases which are hardly noticeable. The bronze figures are of an olive green patination.The two flowerheads that are recast have been well executed but the gilding is slightly darker than the rest.
"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."

Emile Colin was an independent foundry worker who, in the mid 19th century, worked for some of the best know sculptors in France, including Carrier-Belleuse, Pradier, Feuchère and Mindron. In 1881, Emile Vie took over Gustave-Isaac Levy’s foundry and subsequently renamed it ‘E. Vie et Cie’. After several improvements and refurbishments to the company, Vie died shortly thereafter at the beginning of 1882. At this point Emile Colin took over the company renaming it ‘E.Colin et Cie’. Under Emile’s leadership the foundry was situated out of 29 Rue de Sevigne. Emile kept on many of the designs which were used before his appointment, but made sure the foundry was known for its speciality in producing statues. In 1898, Emile retired from his position and was replaced a member of his family. This resulted in a renaming of the company to ‘M.Colin et Cie’. Emile died one year later in 1899 from illness.

At the beginning of the century the firm had a large reputation for its lighting manufacture and ornate bronzes designed by various artists. A shop specifically for the sale of electric lighting opened in 1893 at 32 Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honore. However the company still made statues and objects which were sent to the 1893 Chicago Exposition and other exhibitions in Paris. In 1900, the company was awarded a prize at the 1900 Exposition Universelle after which they began to concentrate again on contemporary bronze works of art.  In 1906, the company changed hands again until in 1923 it reverted to Ancienne Maison Colin. In 1939 the shop and its contents were abandoned.