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A RUSSIAN GILT-BRONZE, CUT-GLASS AND GILT-BRASS CHANDELIER, CIRCA 1790, IN THE MANNER OF JOHANN ZECH |
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 GBP
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Description
- 124cm. high, 92cm diameter, 48 3/4in., 36 1/4in.
with six upscrolled branches festooned with drops, suspended from dropped chains and drop festooned corona above a blue glass enclosed corbel
Condition
In overall good condition. The blue glass rounded plate would need a gentle clean. Of the dropping glass chains, two chains detached, one chain missing. One glass tower finial is missing a glass drop. Three glass drops missing to lower gilt-bronze garland ring. The losses are not easily visible and are not distracting to its overall look.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE
Bourne, J. and Brett, V. Lighting in the Domestic Interior, London, 1991, p.115, fig.376 [sold Sotheby's London, 24-31 May 1985, lot 123, £20,900];
Klappenbach, K. Kronleuchter, Berlin, 2001, p.331, no.V 33;
Sychev, I. The Russian Chandeliers: 1760-1830, P.V.B.R., 2003, p.34, fig.106. In the late 18th century, German born Johann Zech was called from Bohemia by Catherine the Great to work in Russia and open multiple workshops in St Petersburg. His workshops were responsible for the production of nearly all the chandeliers made for the Imperial Palaces, with multiple of his works adorning the Yusupov, Pavlosk, Mikhailov and Ostankino Palaces. Similar examples have been sold at Sotheby's London, 11 December 2002, lot 107 (£29,875) and Sotheby's Amsterdam, 17 September 2007, lot 651 (41,050€).
Zech's chandeliers not only functioned as a source of light, but were also regarded as works of art by foreign visitors, since his unique technique combining an overall light construction and the use of bright colours contrasting with the cut-crystal was highly admired. His chandeliers were decorative pieces on their own, adding both brightness and colour to the richest interiors.
Bourne, J. and Brett, V. Lighting in the Domestic Interior, London, 1991, p.115, fig.376 [sold Sotheby's London, 24-31 May 1985, lot 123, £20,900];
Klappenbach, K. Kronleuchter, Berlin, 2001, p.331, no.V 33;
Sychev, I. The Russian Chandeliers: 1760-1830, P.V.B.R., 2003, p.34, fig.106. In the late 18th century, German born Johann Zech was called from Bohemia by Catherine the Great to work in Russia and open multiple workshops in St Petersburg. His workshops were responsible for the production of nearly all the chandeliers made for the Imperial Palaces, with multiple of his works adorning the Yusupov, Pavlosk, Mikhailov and Ostankino Palaces. Similar examples have been sold at Sotheby's London, 11 December 2002, lot 107 (£29,875) and Sotheby's Amsterdam, 17 September 2007, lot 651 (41,050€).
Zech's chandeliers not only functioned as a source of light, but were also regarded as works of art by foreign visitors, since his unique technique combining an overall light construction and the use of bright colours contrasting with the cut-crystal was highly admired. His chandeliers were decorative pieces on their own, adding both brightness and colour to the richest interiors.