AN EMPIRE GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED CRYSTAL AND CUT-GLASS CHANDELIER, ATTRIBUTED TO MAISON CHAUMONT, CIRCA 1815 |

issuing eighteen scrolling branches on two levels, adorned with palmettes and crystal drops ; (pierced and fitted for electricity)

Related literature J.P. Samoyault, Musée national du Château de Fontainebleau : Catalogue des collections de Mobilier, Pendules et bronzes d'ameublement entrés sous le Premier Empire, Paris, 1989
M.F. Dupuy-Baylet, L'Heure, le Feu, la Lumière, Les Bronzes du Mobilier National 1800-1870, Paris, 2010

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. Good overall condition despite the usual minor scratches and marks consistent with age. The gilding and the chasing of the mounts are very nice, the chandelier has been entirely cleaned around 15 years ago. The cut crystal and glass pendants are very clean too, some of them are missing and can be easily reproduced. The bottom of the central stem has been slightly modified in order to install the electrical fitting which makes a very nice effect. This electrical fitting was perfectly working in the client's house but it should be checked again before any use. Otherwise it is ready to display. Very impressive and rare piece in perfect condition.
"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."

By the quality of its execution and the choice of its decorations, this chandelier is perhaps a production by the firm, “Chaumont, manufacturer of chandeliers and candelabras, gild, ormolu gold and matted gold, half-lights to place on mirrors, filled with rock crystals, Mont-Cenis glassworks and others [...] " (in MF Dupuy-Baylet, op.cit., no. 59, p. 118). The son of a master caster, Jean-François Chaumont became, under the French Empire, a reputed chandelier maker, a regular supplier to the Imperial Garde-Meuble (furniture depository), whose workshop was located at 23 rue Chapon in the Marais neighborhood. His career resumed under the Restoration and his son Gilbert-Honoré (1790/1868) probably took over around 1820, before partnering in 1838 with Louis-Auguste Marquis to continue to supply bronze works for the Royal Garde-Meuble during the July Monarchy (in MF Dupuy-Baylet, op cit, pp. 254 and 277). Jean-François Chaumont died in September 1843 at 270 Rue Saint-Honore (IAD MC / RE / IV / 16).

Several models of chandeliers delivered by Chaumont for the imperial residences are described as containing crystals from the Montcenis manufactory (in J.P. Samoyault, op.cit., N ° 70 to 74, pp. 105-108). It seems that under the aegis of the Imperial Garde-Meuble, Chaumont was requested to work with Benjamin Ladouèpe-Dufougerais (1766-1821), the administrator of the famous crystal factory. This one was titled in July 1806 "Manufacture Impériale et Royale". The chandeliers from their collaboration are characterized by their imposing dimensions, their basket shape accented with circles and their large number of lights (from 24 to 50).