The prototype for these candlesticks is a marble tripod candelabrum printed in R. Gargiulo Racolta de Munimenti Pui Intersant Del Rl Museo Borbonico (sic) 1825, pl.39, 40A, to which flaming finials have been added in the manner of Thomas Hope's candelabrum illustrated in his Household Furniture and Interior Decoration of 1807. The antique candelabrum, now in the Museo Nazionale, Naples, was originally in the Farnese Collection and was moved to Naples by Charles III (King of Naples 1734-1759 and King of Spain 1759-1788).
A pair of candlesticks of related design were sold these rooms Souvenirs of the Grand Tour, 16 October 1996, lot 82.