A pair of Louis XV style gilt-bronze chenets after a model by Charles Cressent 19th century

The collection of Baron Alfred de Rothschild, England;
Christie's Monaco, 18 June 1989, lot 175.

This pair of chenets is in very good condition, with marks, pitting and scratches consistent with age and use. They are ready to be placed.
"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."

Comparative literature:

G. Wilson, Decorative Arts in The J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 1977, p. 30;
F. J. B. Watson, The Wrightsman Collection, New York, 1966, vol. II, p. 368, no. 186 A and B.

The present pair of chenets is virtually identical to one other dating from around 1735 and now in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles (inv. 73.DF.63.1-2). The firm attribution of this model to Charles Cressent (1685-1768) relies on a description found in the 1756 inventory of his atelier:

‘Dans son salon à la cheminée, un feu qui représente deux Sphinx, dont un badine avec un chat et l’autre avec un singe, montés sur deux pieds, du plus grand goût. Les amateurs remarqueront que ces Sphinx ne sont point traités comme ceux qui se font ordinariement pour des feux, ceux-ci peuvent être considérées comme ce qu’il y a de mieux traité en France garnis de ces agraffes dorées d’or moulu.’

Baron Alfred de Rothschild (1842-1918) was the second son of Lionel de Rothschild. Brought up in England, he attended King's College London and Trinity College, Cambridge, before joining the Bank of England as a director in 1868. A trustee of both the Wallace Collection and the National Art Gallery, his personal collection was housed between his London residence at Seamore Place and the country seat of Halton House, Buckinghamshire.