After models by Antoine Zacharie Solon (active circa 1756) French, 19th century

Overall the condition of the bronzes is good. There is some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age including some tarnishing to the gilding. Minor casting flaws have been plugged with small round pegs. These are particularly visible at the lower edge of the bases and at the proper right side of the neck of the horse turning to its right. There is some rubbing to the brown patina of the horses, particularly at the noses, haunches, and high points of the front legs. There is a stable fissure repaired with plugs to the base of the tail of the horse turning to its right and a further stable hairline fissure to the left front leg of the other horse. There is a nick to the nose of the horse turning to its right.
"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."

Antoine Zacharie Solon is recorded in the register of jurandes and maîtrises des métiers of the city of Paris and became maître fondeur on 10 September 1756. Little is known about his practice but a number of ormolu objects by Solon have been on the market in recent years, including a fine cartel clock stamped in the same manner as the present firedogs, which was sold at Christie's London, 12 December 2002, lot 72. Further casts of the present models from the French Royal collection were sold at Sotheby’s New York, 22 May 1997, lot 113, for $520,000 and from the Wildenstein collection at Christie's London, 14-15 December 2005, lot 207, for £72,000. The models are possibly first mentioned in the Blondel de Gagny sale, Paris, 10 December 1776, lot 1028.

The horses that crown these fine chenets are inspired by the celebrated Horse-Tamers carved in marble for the Chateau de Marly by Guillaume Coustou, which are now in the Louvre (inv. no. M.R. 1802).

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Verlet, French Furniture and Interior Decoration of the 18th Century, Fribourg, 1967, p. 98, fig. 64