A pair of gilt-bronze-mounted Meissen porcelain candelabra modelled by J.F Eberlein, with the Allegories of the Arts and Sciences the gilt-bronze mounts Louis XV/XVI Transitional, circa 1770, the porcelain circa 1755

each with a porcelain group depicting cherubs as the allegory of the Arts, the other the allegory of Science, on an oval gilt-bronze base cast with piastres and drapery swags, issuing three acanthus leaf-cast candlearms, drip-pans and bobèches entwined with porcelain flowers and gilt-bronze leaves, on acanthus cast scrolled feet

Baron Alphonse de Rothschild, thence sold from his collection from the Hôtel Lambert and the Château de Ferrières, lot 227, Sotheby's Monaco, 25^th-26^th May 1975.

Pierre Kjellberg, Objets montés du Moyen Âge à nos jours, 2000, illustrated p.167.

This pair of gilt-bronze-mounted Meissen porcelain candelabra was modelled by Johann Friedrich Eberlein. He worked at Meissen as the first assistant modeller to Kändler from 1735-1749. His engagement by the manufactory was directly linked to the production of the animal figures of the "Japanese Palace". The influence of Kändler's style is constantly evident in all Eberlein's pieces. Although a talented artist and capable of developing subtle individual nuances in his work, Eberlein can be mainly credited for helping to form a new, unified style at the Meissen manufactory.

Some of the porcelain flowers probably replaced. Very attractive detail to casting. The telescope boy with both hands and telescope restored. The easel and left hand of the painter's assistant restored. Typical chips to petals of flowers. In overall very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Mayer Alphonse James  Rothschild (1827-1905):
The banker, philanthropist, racehorse owner and art collector was a member of the French branch of the Rothschild banking family. He was also known as Alphonse and was the eldest son of James Mayer de Rothschild (1792-1868) and his mother was Betty de Rothschild (1805-1886), the daughter of Salomon Mayer von Rothschild from the Austrian branch of the family. Alphonse was trained to take over Rothschild Frères bank and became prominent in the financial world and was appointed regent of the Banque de France. In 1857, he married a cousin Leonora `Laure' de Rothschild (1837-1911), the daughter of Lionel de Rothschild (1808-1879) of the English branch of the family. As part of his father's estate he inherited a large residence in Paris at 2 rue Saint-Florentin on Place de la Concorde and the Château de Ferrières, an enormous mansion and woodlands to the East of Paris.

He operated a vineyard with his brother Gustave and on the death of their father in 1868, they inherited Château Lafite-Rothschild. He was made a member of the Legion of Honour for his contributions to the French economy at the time of the Franco-Prussian War and in 1896 he was elevated to the Grand Cross, the highest class of the Legion of Honour.

As an avid art collector he amassed a huge collection including Dutch Old Masters and Islamic Works of Art and in 1855, he was made a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts.