A PAIR OF NORTH EUROPEAN ORMOLU AND PATINATED BRONZE CANDLESTICKS

The candlestick pillars, emblematic of Peace and comprising clustered Roman spears, are raised on altar pedestals displaying Jupiter'’s eagle bas-reliefs; while their domed plinths stand on tripods of palm-wreathed bacchic lion paws. Related pillars, crowned by Mars' helmets, were incorporated in imperial candelabra designed by the bronze-founder Pierre-Philippe Thomire (d. 1843) (J. Niclausse, Thomire, 1947 pl. 22). Related pillars also featured on helmet-nozzled candlesticks bearing the Château de St Cloud brand (sold anonymously, Sotheby's, London, 1 July 1977, lot 76). A pair of candlesticks of the present model, but with helmet-shaped nozzles, was sold anonymously, Millon et Associes, Paris, 27 November 1998, lot 158.