FIRST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY

With their shaft modelled as draped vestals holding a wreath and a ewer for the sacred altar, these crisply chased candlesticks relate to the various models of the Pendules aux vestals by the bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843). The most celebrated model includes the clock delivered for Marie-Antoinette at Saint-Cloud, while another model was that sold by the Marquess of Bath, Longleat, Christie's, London, 13 June 2002, lot 308.
A pair of closely related candlesticks was offered at Sotheby's, London, 16 December 1998, lot 186.