A PAIR OF ITALIAN ORMOLU-MOUNTED ALABASTRO FIORITO COLUMNS

The Corinthian capitals of these Alabastro fiorito columns are based on the celebrated model by Pierre Gouthière of circa 1775-1780, now in the Louvre (inv. MR XI 1077). Surmounting a porphyry column, Gouthière's capital was lot 122 in the sale of the duc d'Aumont's collections on 12 December 1782. Estimated at 1,500 livres, the column and capital were bought by Louis XVI for 6,999 l. 19 s. (D. Alcouffe et al., Gilt Bronzes in the Louvre, Dijon, 2004, cat. 122, p. 244). A related pair of ormolu-mounted columns with amethyst channelled shafts and closely related capitals was sold at Christie's London, 7 July 2007, lot 346 (£ 54.000).