A pair of French gilt-and patinated-bronze marble candelabra in Louis XVI style, Napoleon III, circa 1870

with two maidens holding a vase issuing three scrolling branches, on a rouge griotte base with relief plaques depicting the Arts and Sciences with putti, on toupie feet

In overall very good condition. Colour of gilding more golden, bronze less greenish and rouge griotte much darker and more attractive than in catalogue photograph. The base of both numbered 428. Very good quality casting with some very minor rubbing to the bronze figures in places as visible from the photographs. There are some old very minor chips to the marble bases with an old restoration to the rear left corner of one marble base but this has been well executed and is not too noticeable and the foot beneath the same is bent slightly inwards. Both central stems are slightly bent but this does not detract from the piece.
"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."

The present candelabra, a rare Louis XVI model, are clearly inspired by a drawing attributed to Gabriel Saint-Aubin ((fig.1) illustrated by Ottomeyer and Proschel on their seminal Vergoldete Bronzen, 1986, p. 284, ill. 4.14.11. Saint-Aubin also designed in 1761 another model of candelabra with classical maidens holding a vase (Ottomeyer, ill. 4.7.1) which become very popular and reproduced in bronze in large quantities and variants, although the model of the present lot seemed to have been rarely manufactured. With their imposing scale, wonderful quality and elegance, these candelabra exemplify the excellence of Second Empire objets d’art.