Lot 220
220
A FRENCH MARBLE LIFE-SIZE FIGURAL TORCHERE
A FRENCH MARBLE LIFE-SIZE FIGURAL TORCHERE
A FRENCH MARBLE LIFE-SIZE FIGURAL TORCHERE
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THE PROPERTY OF A LADY REMOVED FROM PINEHEATH HOUSE, HARROGATE (LOTS 220-222) This and the following marble statue (lot 221) together with the magnificent Bechstein grand piano with case by François Linke (lot 222), have come for sale for the first time since they were bought by Sir Dhunjibhoy and Lady Bomanji in the 1920s. Sir Dhunjibhoy Bomanji was an Indian born shipping magnate and philanthropist who built a great fortune from shipping and allied interests in Bombay. Knighted in 1922 for services to the nation, among many generous benefactions he paid for the equestrian statue of Earl Haig at Edinburgh Castle. Sir Dhunjibhoy and Lady Bomanji had houses in Bombay, Windsor and Harrogate. The statues were originally bought for their Windsor home, The Willows. Following Sir Dhunjibhoy's death, and after World War II, Lady Bomanji moved permanently to their Harrogate home, Pineheath, accompanied by her daughter Mrs. Mehroo Jehangir whose husband had been tragically killed in an air raid in London. Lady Bomanji was affectionately known as ‘Lady Harrogate’, and her daughter took over many of her charitable and civic roles. Pineheath was a testament to belle époque splendour, the furnishings were cared for, but remained relatively untouched for its sixty years at the centre of Harrogate society. The greater contents were sold at Christie’s last year, including a large mantle clock by Raingo Frères and two commodes by François Linke (see Christie’s, London, 14 March 2013 , lots 1-25). These marble statues and magnificent piano remained in situ until the sale of Pineheath last year.
A FRENCH MARBLE LIFE-SIZE FIGURAL TORCHERE

BY CHARLES RAPHAEL PEYRE, FIRST QUARTER 20TH CENTURY

Details
A FRENCH MARBLE LIFE-SIZE FIGURAL TORCHERE
BY CHARLES RAPHAEL PEYRE, FIRST QUARTER 20TH CENTURY
Modelled with billowing robe, wearing a diadem star, and holding aloft a lantern, signed 'Ch. Raphael Peyre d's Cavelier'
89 in. (226 cm.) high
Provenance
Sir Dhunjibhoy Bomanji, Kt. and Lady Bomanji at the The Willows, Windsor, and thereafter moved to Pineheath House, Harrogate, and thence by descent.

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Giles Forster
Giles Forster

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Lot Essay


Charles Raphaël Peyre (1872-1949) studied under the renowned 19th century sculptors Falguière and Mercié and their influence is apparent in his triumphant allegorical style. Peyre favoured popular romantic subjects, typical of the day, such as Venus and Cupid and playful putti (see lot 164 for a marble group of putti also by Peyre). His Bataille de Fleurs, for the city of Barentin is his most famous statuary group.

This present lot, modelled as a lifesize female nude holding aloft a lantern is emblematic of night, or light triumphing over darkness. It was originally commissioned for Sir Dhunjibhoy’s home in Windsor, The Willows, where it was placed atop a pedestal in the gardens (as shown in a photograph reproduced above).

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