A RUSSIAN CUT-GLASS AND GILT-BRASS FRAME CHANDELIER, LATE 18TH CENTURY |

with four coupled upscrolled candle-arms, attached to a ribbon draped cast ring, festooned with drop chains and cabochon enclosing a blue glass urn

In overall good condition. Some scratches and old marks to gilt bronze, consistent with age and use. One glass drop detached from top corona. Two branches detached from the top gilt-bronze ring. Branches extending from the blue glass vase: six glass drops missing to top branches, seven to middle branches, one glass drop broken. Several glass drops missing to lower gilt-bronze ring. Glass tower finials missing some glass drops. Losses are not easily visible and are not distracting to the overall look of this striking chandelier. Sotheby's recommends the assistance of a professional for re-wiring.
"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

Sychev, I. The Russian Chandeliers: 1760-1830, P.V.B.R., 2003, p.33, fig.100 and 103.

Chandeliers of this quality and scale were commissioned in the late 18th century for important residences, including the Imperial palaces in and around St. Petersburg and Moscow. Rich in ornament and elegance, Russian chandeliers were considered the most important feature in an interior and commonly featured a palmette corona and varying shaped glass pendants.  Most importantly, it is the use of coloured glass which revolutionized the classical chandelier production and which distinguishes Russian chandeliers from the rest. Most certainly manufactured at the St Petersburg glass manufactory, these glass stems and other pieces were produced in various colours - the most prized being dark blue, amethyst and pink. Although Russian chandeliers always vary in ornament from one another, there are however three types of basic structures, distinctive due to the length of the coloured horizontal glass stem. Indeed, the stem is elongated across the chandelier, or placed either at the top or lower half of the chandelier (see drawing in Sychev, I. The Russian Chandeliers: 1760-1830, P.V.B.R., 2003, p.29, fig.69). From these three types of forms, the makers make decisions regarding the colour, placement and shape of the glass pieces around the stem.

The present example underlines the Catherine or Ekaterina chandelier form that emerged in Russia in the 1780s. Originating from Germany and Sweden, the form adopts a strict construction, with a central coloured glass shaft with tiers of rings and cascades of drops below a corona; overall preferring a play between vertical, horizontal and curved lines. Similar examples have been offered at Christie's London, 25 November 2008, lot 25 and Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers, 9 June 2017, lot 1477.