A pair of Italian carved giltwood and engraved glass girandoles, Venetian circa 1730

one with the coat-of-arms of the Archinto family from Milan, the other with the figure of Diana, with later gilt-bronze triple-branch candlearms; formely fitted for electricity

Small crack on plate of the one with the coat-of-arms and a small crack in mirrored border of same one. There are old minor restorations generally and some very minor cracks and losses to carving on the apron on the same one and also replacements to carved sections with two trails of bell-flowers missing. The mirrors are slightly dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. The one with Diana has a horizontal crack across the plate and several smaller cracks around the border as visible from the catalogue photograph. Both mirrors have been strengthened at back. There are some losses to the carved borders, which can easily be replaced. The gilded metal candleholder on the base is missing a screw but this can easily be replaced. Some very minor losses to carving generally and to the apron and to some of the border, which can easily be replaced or left. The candlearms on both are dirty and the gilding is worn, especially on the nozzles and with some flaking and one foliate spray is missing and three have been resoldered. In overall good conserved 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."

The Archinto family was one of the most important patrician families in Milan and were great patrons of the Arts and many of them became influential clergymen. One of the most important family members was Filippo Archinto (1500-1558), appointed by the Pope as Governor of Rome, Papal Nuncio to Venice and Archbishop of Milan respectively. It was during his time in Venice that he commissioned Titian to paint a portrait of him which is now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Another member of the family, Alberico Archinto (1698-1758) was Cardinal Secretary of Vatican State and Vice-Chancellor of the Holy Roman Church. It is possible that the present lot was commissioned by him. In 1731, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo decorated the ceiling of Palazzo Archinto with mythological scenes.