ALFRED BEURDELEY (1847 - 1919) A PAIR OF GILT-BRONZE AND PATINATED BRONZE FOUR-LIGHT WALL-LIGHTS IN LOUIS XVI STYLE, LAST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY |

M&N Uzal Gallery, Bruxelles - Paris

The image is not accurate, it does not represent the correct pair. Good condition overall, despite some inevitable wear to the patina and a few spots of oxidation. The gilding is slightly rubbed on the more exposed areas. A branch is slightly distorted on one wall light; on the same wall light, another branch was broken and restored. They are marked 808 on the reverse. They are not pierced for electricity : the electrical fitting is inside the branches (it has to be checked by a professional).
"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 Beurdeley family was one of the most important furniture and bronze production dynasties of the 19th century. They brought their art to a level of excellence rarely matched and which they maintained for three generations from 1818 to 1895. Particularly renowned for the quality of their gilt-bronze mounts, their systematic use of mercury gilding and their talent for chiseling enabled them to perpetuate the tradition of excellence from the 18th century.This serie of appliques is inspired by a two branches model formerly in the Prince Anatole Demidoff collection at San Donato palace in Florence, sold at auction in 1880 and now at the Detroit Institute of Arts (see H. Ottomeyer, P. Pröschel et al., Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, vol. I, p. 291, fig. 4.16.12). Louis-Auguste-Alfred Beurdeley and his son Alfred-Emmanuel-Louis were renowned for their scholarly interpretation of the Louis XVI models: C. Mestdagh suggests that Alfred-Emmanuel, "by his perfect knowledge of the 18th century, was the best of his time in copying and interpreting styles" (in L'Ameublement d'art français 1850-1900, Paris, 2010, p. 13). Due to their technical virtuosity, the Beurdeleys appeared as the heirs of late 18th century bronze artisans.