A pair of Luso-Brazilian Baroque polychrome painted torchères 18th century

on later polychrome-painted, gilded, and carved bases.

Olive Bigelow
The Denver Museum of Art, Denver (donated by the above in 1971; deaccessioned in 1996)
Christie's New York, January 11, 1996, lot 75A
Sotheby's New York, November 20-21, 2000, lot 93

Height of bases 21 1/2 inches. Bases with losses to carved elements; one base with a floral garland and mask missing from one side; other base with half a garland and a mask missing from one side. Both bases with losses to gilding and wear to paint. Figures with losses to paint; one figure with more extensive wear to paint on face and chest. Decoration refreshed throughout, mostly to the other figure's face. Scattered old wood worm damage, resulting in losses with the largest being to the base of one figure (measuring 4x1 inch and 3 1/2 x 1 1/2 inch each). Plumes of figures with later screws. Scratches, small losses, chips, abrasions to figures and bases. Some elements of base are slightly loose.
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.