Lot Essay
The design for the bases of these candelabra is taken from a pair of candlesticks by Robert-Joseph Auguste, dated 1766-67, now at Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire. While Auguste, the celebrated Parisian goldsmith appointed goldsmith to Louis XVI in 1778, was adopting a pure and elengantly proportioned la grecque style, the Duke of Marlborough was in France making acquisitions for Woburn. His architect Sir William Chambers, who supervised the work being completed at Woburn from 1766 to 1772, would undoubtedly have been familiar with the Duke's purchases from France. It is therefore tempting to suggest that 'the fine festoon candlesticks' designed by Chambers for his patron and supplied by Parker and Wakelin, were directly modelled after a pair designed by Auguste, purchased by the Duke of Marlborough in France and brought back to Woburn Abbey around that time. A similar pair of candelabra by Auguste, although with a slightly different stem, dated 1767-68, is in the Catherine D. Wentworth collection in the Metropolitan Museum, New York.
A set of four George III silver candlesticks by John Parker and Edward Wakelin, dated 1774, with a pair of three-light branches by John Scofield, 1790, sold at Christie's, New York, October 30, 1991, lot 265. A pair of candlesticks of the same form with two-light branches by Heming of somewhat more severely classical form than the present example, made by John Romer for Lord John Thyme in 1771, was sold Christie's, London, October 25, 1989, lot 174.
A set of four George III silver candlesticks by John Parker and Edward Wakelin, dated 1774, with a pair of three-light branches by John Scofield, 1790, sold at Christie's, New York, October 30, 1991, lot 265. A pair of candlesticks of the same form with two-light branches by Heming of somewhat more severely classical form than the present example, made by John Romer for Lord John Thyme in 1771, was sold Christie's, London, October 25, 1989, lot 174.