Jessie Preston

Private Collection, Paris, France
Private Collection, Los Angeles, CA, acquired from the above circa 1980
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Thomas K. Maher, The Jarvie Shop:  The Candlesticks and Metalwork of Robert R. Jarvie, Philmont, NY, 1997, p. 126 (for a similar example of the design)
Judith A. Barter, Apostles of Beauty:  Arts and Crafts from Britain to Chicago, Chicago, 2009, p. 162 (for a similar example of the design in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago)

Overall in very good condition. The patinted bronze surfaces throughout display an exceptionally rich and vibrant green patina with brown highlights. The patinated bronze surfaces with some occasional very fine surface scratches, abrasions and rubbing to the patina at the high points of the design. The recessed contours of the based with some light and minor surface soiling, and with a few very small faint traces of what appears to be black paint. There appears to be a very small seam separation to the four stems at the top of the standard, where the stems naturally separate to extend upward to each candle holder. All four stems are beautifully fluid and do not show any irregular bending. A superb example of the design, displaying an exceptionally rich and vibrant green patina and graceful sinuous lines. The casting details on the articulated base and floral candle holders are exceptionally fine.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Jessie Preston, a contemporary of Robert Jarvie, was a well-known metalsmith and artist working in Chicago.  Preston was born in Oak Park and studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, where she exhibited her work between 1902-1911.  Preston operated a studio in Chicago's Fine Arts Building from 1900 until 1918 when she moved to Paris.  The 1940 New York Census records her as living on the Upper West Side, with her previous location in 1935 listed as Paris, France.  It is unknown if she produced metalwork while in France, though it is likely that she took some of her work with her when she moved abroad, and that she continued to make jewelry.  Her time there is of note given the provenance of this piece, which was acquired in Paris by a California collector in the 1980s.  Preston is best known for her unique candlestick designs and her elaborate flower-form candelabrums are considered her most accomplished works in the medium.  A similar example of the design is in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago.