LATE 18TH CENTURY

Details

A PAIR OF LOUIS XVI ORMOLU AND WHITE MARBLE CANDLESTICKS
LATE 18TH CENTURY
Each with vase-shaped body issuing a tulip spray with a central tulip-shaped nozzle, on a square plinth with beaded edge, three of the lion's mask handles replaced, one body with restored break
13 in. (33 cm.) high (2)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

These naturalistically modelled flowers emerging from elegant marble vases reflect the retour à la nature movement inspired by Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778). In the late 18th Century several bronziers took models in nature and used lilies, carnations or tulips as branches for their candelabra and candlesticks.
The present lot is also related to another model depicting young children carrying a flower pot which contains tulips. A pair of these candlesticks from the collection of the Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild is at Waddesdon Manor, illustrated in G. de Bellaigue, The James A. de Rothschild Collection at Waddesdon Manor. Furniture, Clocks and Gilt Bronzes, vol. II, Fribourg, 1974, pp. 710-713.

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