A French gilt-bronze and blued steel chandelier

in the manner of  François Rémond, the reservoir decorated with tassled drapery and three lion masks suspending octagonal chains with nine scrolled spirially- twisted branches in the form of hunting horns, the flaming baluster reservoir with three addorsed  mermaids suspending floral swags with a berried foliate finial; formerly fitted for electricity

Purchased by the present owner from the sale, M & N Uzal, 19th Century Excellence, in these Rooms, 28th October 2009, lot 70.

Comparative Literature:
H.Ottomeyer/P.Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Vol. I, Munich, 1986, p. 239, fig 4.4.4.

This chandelier is after the model supplied to the château de Méreville in the late 18th century, which was in the Grand Salon and described thus` un lustre à neuf branches...ajusté à un vase de bronze mis en bleu sure lequel sont posés des sirènes ailé qui supportent les branches, le tout arrêté au chapiteau par des chaines exécutés en bronze ciselé et doré ..'.
One can compare the Méreville and the offered chandeliers to a drawing in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (inv. 8118), which shows Daguerre's production, circa 1788, which has similar mermaids, a more flatter central vase but the same lambrequin corona upon which the original was almost certainly based.

In overall very good condition. Very attractive detail to casting. There is some very minor surface dirt which can easily be cleaned off. The old wiring and plastic candles still remain but can easily be removed the chandelier would need to be rewirid. There are some very minor chips to the blued steel body which is hardly noticable and can easily be touched-up.
"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."