Lot Essay
The fashion for lighting rooms with figurative lamps in plaster, bronzed in the Roman manner, proliferated from the end of the eighteenth century. This pattern of 'vestal virgin' was identified with the Egyptian style, exemplified by the interiors of the Duchess Street mansion/museum created around 1800 by the connoisseur Thomas Hope (d.1831). A number of firms produced such figures. Most notable among these were Humphrey Hopper, Robert Shout, Francis Hardenberg, and James Deville. The Garrard's Act of 1798, passed to protect the individual makers, dictated that all subsequent works be signed and dated. As these candelabra do not bear any inscription, it may be assumed that they predate this copyright law (see T.Clifford, 'The plaster shops of the rococo and neo-classical era in Britain', Journal of the History of Collections, no.1, 1992, pp.39-65).
A similar plaster model signed by Robert Shout was sold by Christie's London, 21 May 1987, lot 215. Plaster models also served as maquettes for bronze manufactureres. A pair of figures of this model executed in ormolu and bronze was sold by Christie's London, 14 April 1988, lot 8.
A similar plaster model signed by Robert Shout was sold by Christie's London, 21 May 1987, lot 215. Plaster models also served as maquettes for bronze manufactureres. A pair of figures of this model executed in ormolu and bronze was sold by Christie's London, 14 April 1988, lot 8.