A PAIR OF EMPIRE ORMOLU AND PATINATED BRONZE SIX LIGHT CANDELABRA, CIRCA 1810 |

possibly formerly with additional elements to top.

Possibly Christie's New York, June 6, 1984, lot 23. The catalogue photograph shows an additional leaf-decorated and vasiform element surmounting the top of the shaft; it is possible that these elements were lost when the candelabra were converted to lamps;
The Barbara Piasecka Johnson Collection from her Home in Monaco, Sotheby's Paris, October 15, 2003, lot 71;
Sotheby's New York, November 10 2006, lot 101

(Probably the pair illustrated) G. Wannenes, Les Bronzes Ornementaux et les Objets Montés, Milan, 2004, p. XX.

Large and impressive scale. Lacking an element at the top. One arm with a restored break. Some rubbing to patinated bronze mainly to the central stem; surface scratches. Ormolu with some minor oxidation and rubbing. Some arms are slightly loose but secure.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A closely comparable pair of candelabra, attributed to Pierre Philippe Thomire, formerly in the collections of the Markgrafen und Grossherzöge von Baden, was sold, Baden-Baden, Sotheby's, October 5-21, 1995, lot 1031. This attribution was based upon comparisons with objects in the exhibition 'Pierre-Philippe Thomire' held at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, 1984. The shape of the central shaft, the acanthus leaf collar at its base, and the triangular plinth of griffons are all identical to those on the present pair. It has been suggested that this fine pair of candelabra could also be the product of the workshop of Claude Galle (1759-1815), another of the finest bronziers of the period. This attribution was based upon a document from his workshop dated August 1799 noting 'une paire de flambeau à hiboux'. See also a pair of very similar form, almost certainly by Claude Galle, sold Ariane Dandois, Sotheby's New York, October 25, 2007, lot 652.