A MATCHED SET OF FOUR FRENCH ORMOLU-MOUNTED WHITE MARBLE CANDELABRA

These spectacular candelabra, sumptuously combining carved white marble figures with richly cast candle arms in gilt-bronze, are inspired by the celebrated set of four candelabra with figures emblematic of the four Seasons supplied by the sculptor Jean-François Lorta in 1788 to Mesdames Adelaïde and Victoire, daughters of Louis XV, for the grand salon of the château de Bellevue as part of a lavish refurbishing scheme. These candelabra remained at Bellevue during the Revolution, but were later moved to the Tuileries in 1807, when they were installed in Empress Josephine’s second salon. In 1830 the four were split up, with Summer and Winter remaining initially at the Tuileries in the Galerie de Diane before being moved to Fontainebleau to the bedchamber of the Duc d’Orléans, while Spring and Autumn were briefly at Versailles (1839-1840) before being moved to the Empress’s bedchamber at Fontainebleau where they remained from 1857-1930. All four were eventually reunited at the Louvre later in the 20th Century, where they remain today (see D. Alcouffe et al., Gilt Bronzes of the Louvre, Dijon, 2004, p. 181, cat. 93).
Lorta, who had received the second prize in the prix de Rome in 1779, was active at the court and had previously supplied two groups to Madame Adelaïde in 1783, Bergers assis avec une flûte and Jeune fille assise avec un couple de colombes (now at Versailles). He continued to work both under the Empire and the Restauration- his Amour Endormi of 1819 was later bought by Charles X.