Lot 97: An Italian neoclassical ormolu and white marble three-light candelabrum, circa 1795, attributed to Giuseppe Valadier (1762-1839)

the slender tapered marble vase with tall neck fitted with a foliate spray and three curved candle branches, flanked by angular handles and encircled by ormolu bands, raised on a circular socle and stepped square base. Now fitted for electricity.

measurements height of object 21 in.; height with fittings 31 1/4 in.; 11 1/4 in. alternate measurements 53.5 cm; 79.5 cm; 28.5 cm

The design for this candelabrum executed by Giuseppe Valadier in 1795 is conserved in the Victoria & Albert Museum. This drawing was sent by Charles Heathcote Tatham to Henry Holland who advised the Prince of Wales on many of his purchases (see, A. González-Palacios, 'Valadier Father and Son - Some Further Notes and Discoveries, Furniture History Society, The Journal of the Furniture History Society, 2007, pp. 69-84. An identical pair of candelabra, mounted on a white marble plinth which exactly corresponds to the Valadier drawing, was sold, Sotheby's, London, June 13, 1997, lot 89. The white marble plinth is mounted with buchrania linked by foliate swags. Giuseppe Valadier took over the workshop of his father Luigi (1726-1785) who was the pre-eminent Roman silversmith and bronze-founder of his day. Giuseppe worked in a style similar to his father and his clients included the Pope and members of Roman and foreign aristocracy. After 1817 he worked almost exclusively as an architect and by 1827 the workshop had been taken over by Pietro Paolo Spagna.