A French gilt-bronze and blue enamelled chandelier, after the model by Pierre Gouthière second quarter 19th Century

with a lotus leaf cast corona suspending husks, the stem issuing six scrolled acanthus leaf cast candlearms, the central reservoir cast with beading and leaves with foliate and beaded cast drip-pans; formerly with beaded swags

In overall very good condition a most attractive model. The gilt-bronze is slightly dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. A couple of the candlearms are bent slightly inwards but can easily be straightened out or even left. Very good quality casting with some minor surface dirt which would benefit from a light clean according to taste. The ceiling rose is probably later as is the gadrooned section. There are some casting flaws and minor holes generally which are hardly noticeable. Formerly fitted for electricity and the chain of husks on the stem are drilled. The colour of the gilding on the acanthus leaf section of one candlearm is slightly darker than the rest and the candlearms were formerly drilled for electricity but have now been filled.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Hans Ottomeyer/Peter Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, Vol. I, page 238.
Pierre Verlet, Les Bronzes Dorés Français du XVIIIeme siècle, Paris, 1987, page 94.

This impressive chandelier is based upon an original model made by Pierre Gouthière (1732-1813) for the Duc d'Aumont and which was sold in the latter's sale in 1782. In the sale catalogue an engraving of the chandelier was illustrated, reproduced here in fig. 1. The current whereabouts of the duc d'Aumont's chandelier are to date unknown.The legendary sale of the remarkable collections of the duc d'Aumont took place on nine consecutive days in December 1782 at the Hôtel d'Aumont, beginning on the 12th and continuing until the 21st. It was organised by the marchands-merciers Phillipe-François Julliot and Alexandre-Joseph Paillet and the public viewing had lasted for nearly a month previously (12th November until 8th December). The catalogue description of the original chandelier reads: " 351 Un lustre à six branches à rinceaux d'arabesques, cul de lampe à fil de perles, cannelures à jour enrichies de fleurons, culot à godron et rosasse, soutenu par quatre doubles chaînons, ornés sur le milieu d'une couronne de rose, passant dans un couronnement de goût Chinois et terminé par un cordon de même genre figurant guirlande. G.; hauteur, y compris le cordon d'ornement, 27 pouces 6 lignes; diamètre, 20 pouces. Voyez la planche, no. 351"
The chandelier was bought by Paillet on behalf of the King for 2,500 livres ("Paillet, pour le roi...2,500 liv.). Pierre Verlet states op. cit., that Marie-Antoinette liked it so much that she had it immediately installed in her Private apartments at Versailles.

Pierre Gouthière (1740-1806):
Gouthière was recorded as living in the Quai Pelletier when he was received master on 13th April 1758. He worked for the court and produced many of the most important comsissions of the duc d'Aumont, the duchesse de Mazarin and Madame du Barry.