A large Louis XVI style gilt and patinated bronze wall applique possibly by Maison Mottheau, circa 1900

the upper section with a putto on a neo-classical fluted socle above a ribbon-tied berried laurel medallion with entwined L's, issuing two boldly scrolled acanthus cast candlearms with greek key and candle-nozzle terminating in a flaring baluster acanthus cast finial, marked with initials EM 195

Inventory of L. Bernheimer, at Palais Bernheimer, Lenbachplatz, Munich 

In overall good conserved condition. Gilding more golden and attractive and blue enamelled section slightly darker and more attractive than in the catalogue photograph.The gilding is a little dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste.The left arm has been repinned. Beautiful detail to casting. The lower section of the ribbon-tie is missing as visible from the catalogue photograph which can easily be recast. Formerly fitted for electricity.Very minor sections of blue enamel flaked off at the top of the roundel as visible in the catalogue illustration which can easily be touched up and attractive craquelure. The flame on the right side of the urn is a little loose as the thread has gone and can be tightened 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."

The impressive wall applique was made for electric lighting in the fashionable Louis XVI revival style around 1900. With its interlaced L’s and magnificent scale, it has been in the Bernheimer collections since then and according to family tradition they came from one of Ludwig II’s palaces, namely from Herrenchiemsee, the Versailles inspired palace, as scale, quality and style were consistent with the Swan King’s taste.

Nevertheless, the quality of the bronzes and the fact that it bears ‘EM’ foundry marks indicates to a French manufacture, probably by the Parisian Maison Mothheau who marked many of his pieces as such. This house, founded circa 1880, specialised in lighting pieces and soon embraced the new opportunities that domestic electricity brought to the market. At the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris, their showings were highly praised precisely for that innovation, with the The Art Journal mentioning that “The French Section shows many examples of fine work applied under the new conditions (using electricity), but we doubt if a more complete success is to be recorded to the credit of any exhibitor than can be conceded to Messieurs Mottheau et fils.”  (The Art Journal , The Paris Exhibition 1900 - An Illustrated Record of its Art, Architecture and Industrie, London; 1900, pp. 155.)

Lehmann Bernheimer was an enthusiastic visitor of the Exposition, having acquired Maison Mottheau’s star piece, La Nature by Frédéric-Eugène Piat (see lot 41, Bernheimer Evening Sale), and one can assume that other transactions were made, including this palatial wall applique, possibly part of a set.