拍品 171
  • 171

A NAPOLEON GILT-BRONZE POIGNÉE D'ESPAGNOLETTE, ATTRIBUTED TO THOMIRE, CIRCA 1810 |

估價
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
Log in to view results
招標截止

描述

  • 23cm. long, 9in.

Condition

Overall in good condition. Gilt-bronze with minor old marks and scratches consistent with age and use. Tarnished in some areas, especially along the edges of the espagnolette. Gilding losses to the borders of the borders of the central section of the espagnolette, extending from the overlapping leaves to the patera. Minor marks of corrosion towards the top half borders of the bee.
"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."

拍品資料及來源

RELATED LITERATURE Bury and Hoyau, Modèles de serruerie choisis parmi ce que Paris offre de plus remarquable, de meilleur goût et de mieux exécutés, Paris, 1826, plates 49, 50 and 51;

Bresc-Bautier, Les Tuileries: grands décors d'un palais disparu, Paris, 2016.

This richly ornamented espagnolette with the monogram 'N' for Napoléon I possibly originates from the Palais de Tuileries, the new emperor’s main residence, or the Palais de Louvre, and reflects the design of an earlier example made under Louis XIV for the Gallery D'Apollon in the this palace (see Bury, p.49). It is possible that Percier and Fontaine might have been involved in its design as responsible for the refurbishment of the palace key rooms. Following a fire on May 23rd, 1871 at the Tuileries, it is known that many ruins and remains from this palace's interiors, such as door knobs, espagnolettes, locks and various other gilt-bronze mounts were sold in November 1871 and December 1882. Although locks and targettes with napoleonic symbols have appeared on the market, this finely chased espagnolette seems to be a unique survivor. The bee was adopted by Napoleon as part of his new emblems of Sovereignty at a Conseil d 'Etat in 1804 with a view to link the new Imperial family to the earliest French Monarch. The tomb of the first  Merovingian King Childeric (d.457) was opened in 1653 and small gold bees were found in it.