CIRCA 1800

Details

A PAIR OF DIRECTOIRE ORMOLU AND PATINATED BRONZE FOUR-LIGHT CANDELABRA
CIRCA 1800
Each modelled with a draped vestal holding a tray with an oil vessel and supporting a twin-handled vase with lion's masks issuing acanthus-wrapped branches with tooled nozzles and scroll terminals, on a square spreading and stepped base decorated with a lyre and stylised palmettes, the lyre mount to one base replaced
21½ in. (55 cm.) high; 9 in. (23 cm.) wide; 6¼ in. (16 cm.) deep (2)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Modelled with standing vestals presenting pots of oil for the sacred fire, these candelabra illustrate a celebrated theme from Antiquity. In the Roman belief, the vestals were patrician virgin priestesses who were in charge of guarding the sacred fire in the temple. They were granted great privileges but were punished by flogging if they let the fire die and were buried alive if they broke the Oath of Celibacy.

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