Lot 79
  • 79

A PAIR OF LOUIS XV FLOWER PORCELAIN MOUNTED GILT-BRONZE LANTERNS, THIRD QUARTER OF THE 18TH CENTURY |

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description

  • 44cm. high, 23cm. wide; 1ft. 5 1/4 in., 9in.
some porcelain flowers later

Provenance

From a Parisian collection;
Koller, 26 March 2009, lot 1088;
then acquired by the current owner.

Condition

These attractive lanterns are in overall good conserved condition. The bronze is in good condition with occasional tarnishing, oxidation and minor restorations. The glass probably replaced. Flowers with typical scattered chipping and minor replacements.
"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

The marchand-mercier Lazare Duvaux specialized in this type of lanterns embellished with porcelain flowers, which he would often sell to the Court. His account books list an abundance of similar lanterns, most of them with porcelain flowers from the Vincennes factory. Interestingly, the fashion of such lanterns spread over the years 1749-1755 (corresponding to the production period of the porcelain flowers by Vincennes).

A related lantern was sold Sotheby's Paris, 27 April 2017, lot 101. In comparison, the present examples are richer and present much detail and refinement in the treatment of the gilt-bronze, with elegant twists on the sides and trellis reminiscent of those found in gardens. Such lanterns were described in the Livre-journal of Lazare Duvaux as "no.1139. - M. DANGÉ, fermier général: Deux lanternes de glace à cinq pans, montées en treillage verni & doré d'or moulu, garnies de branchages & fleurs de Vincennes, avec les chandeliers dorés, à 292 l. pièce" (Lazare Duvaux, Livre-journal de Lazare Duvaux, Vol.2., Paris, 1873, p.126).