A pair of late George III gilt-bronze wine coolers, attributed to Alexis Decaix, retailed by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, London, circa 1803-1806, the model designed by Jean-Jacques Boileau, circa 1800-1802
Estimate:
80,000 - 120,000 GBP
A pair of late George III gilt-bronze wine coolers, attributed to Alexis Decaix, retailed by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, London, circa 1803-1806, the model designed by Jean-Jacques Boileau, circa 1800-1802
A pair of late George III gilt-bronze wine coolers, attributed to Alexis Decaix, retailed by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, London, circa 1803-1806, the model designed by Jean-Jacques Boileau, circa 1800-1802
Estimate:
80,000 - 120,000 GBP
A pair of late George III gilt-bronze wine coolers
attributed to Alexis Decaix, retailed by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell
London, circa 1803-1806, the model designed by Jean-Jacques Boileau, circa 1800-1802
with twin handles in the form of snakes coiled around a classical mask head, with a flared reeded edge above floral and reeded borders above twin eagles holding a cup, raised on four sphinx supports on a trefoil concave sided platform with an egg and dart border, raised on claw feet, each with a later 19th century removable trellised liner enabling use as fruit baskets (additional height 3 cm.)
27.75 cm. high, 20.25 cm. diameter, 29.25 cm. wide overall; 11 in., 8 in., 11 ½ in.
Overall these remarkable coolers are in a wonderfully untouched country house condition with some rubbing to gilding and would most likely benefit, subject to taste, from a sensitive clean. One snake handle with apparent old repaired break and some discoloration to gilding.
"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."
His son Rear-Admiral Sir William Legge George Hoste, 2nd Baronet (1818-1868);
His daughter Dorothy Augusta Fortescue (1862-1941), Dropmore House, Buckinghamshire;
Thence by descent to the current owners.
Michael Snodin, 'J. J. Boileau: A Forgotten Designer of Silver', The Connoisseur, June 1978, pp. 124-133.
H. Young, 'A Further Note on J. J. Boileau, "A Forgotten Designer of Silver"', Apollo, October 1986, pp. 334-37.
T. Schroder, The Gilbert Collection of Gold and Silver, 1988, pp. 337-341, no. 89-90.
Christopher Hartop, Royal Goldsmiths: the Art of Rundell & Bridge, 1797-1843, Cambridge, 2005, pp. 54-59, fig. 45, no. 11 (wine coolers) and fig. 43, no. 87 (Decaix candelabra).
Harris Lindsay Works of Art, 2005 Catalogue, London, pp.12-14.