MARK OF PAUL STORR, LONDON, 1809

This centrepiece is almost identical to the bases for a monumental pair of candelabra by Paul Storr for Rundell's, dating to 1809/10 and acquired by the Prince of Wales. John Flaxman designed at least the upper portion of the Royal candelabra, and a number of drawings for them are now in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Both Royal candelabra were modelled by William Theed. The original design by Flaxman incorporates a base with three seated panthers around a shorter foliate stem. However, for their Royal patron Rundell's decided on much larger and grander bases with massive central stems flanked by three seated figures of Pan, which match those on the present example. The candelabra supplied to the Prince of Wales are described in the original account from Rundell, Bridge and Rundell as: 2 rich candelabra to fit occasionally on tripod stands, composed from designs made by Flaxman on the subject of Mercury presenting Bacchus to the nymphs. The other the serpents guarding the tree of Hesperides, with elegant falling branches and ornamented devices. 917oz. 10dwt., Fashion 17s oz. gilding £132 each = £1,365. The use in the account of the word 'occasionally' implies that the bases were intended to be used both as supports for the larger candelabra and also as centrepieces fitted with bowls.