Live Auction 7608Important European Furniture and Sculpture
A PAIR OF RUSSIAN ORMOLU SEVEN-LIGHT CANDELABRA
Lot 59

A PAIR OF RUSSIAN ORMOLU SEVEN-LIGHT CANDELABRA

EARLY 19TH CENTURY

Closed10 July 2008

Price Realised

GBP 49,250

Considering selling a similar item?

Discover its value with a complimentary estimate from our specialists.

More Information

How to sell

A PAIR OF RUSSIAN ORMOLU SEVEN-LIGHT CANDELABRA
EARLY 19TH CENTURY
Each modelled with a standing nymph holding in one hand a floral wreath and supporting with the other a foliate-wrapped cornucopia issuing from scrolling foliage anthemion and foliate-cast branches and a central stiff leaf-wrapped torch, above a circular stepped base set with the crowned coat-of-arms of the Demidoff family and decorated in relief with scenes of bacchic putti, on a circular stepped plinth with leaf tip-cast edge, drilled for electricity
32 in. (81 cm.) high (2)

Most probably commissioned by Count Nicholas N. Demidoff (1773-1828).

Specialist note

Beneath the Demidoff coat-of-arms, this magnificent pair of candelabra bears the Russian motto 'Delami ne slovami' - 'By deeds not words'. Nicholas N. Demidoff, who inherited the family empire when only fifteen, returned to Russia following an intensive work-study programme in Germany and England and assumed control of the family mining empire from Stroganoff family members and further increased its wealth. In 1819 he was appointed Russian Ambassador to the Court of Tuscany and in 1822 brought his two boys, Paul and Anatole, to Florence where he commissioned to have the Villa di San Donato built. With their immense wealth the Demidoffs commissioned luxury goods from Hermès as well as table decoration in malachite and gilt bronze from Thomire and silverwork by Odiot to decorate their lavish homes in Paris and St. Petersburg as well as of course the magnificent Villa di San Donato.