A PAIR OF FRENCH GILT AND PATINATED-BRONZE NINE-LIGHT CANDELABRA

This well-known model is first recorded in an anonymous drawing of circa 1785, which is now held in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris. A set of four Louis XVI six-light candelabra of this model was acquired by George, Prince of Wales, later George IV for Carlton House and a further pair of Louis XVI were originally supplied to the Palais des Tuileries, is now in the Louvre. (H. Ottomeyer/P. Prschel et al, Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, 4.14.4). This model was widely admired in the 19th century and bronziers such as Beurdeley and Wertheimer are known to have executed candelabra of this form.