French, Limoges, 13th century

Private collection, United Kingdom

Overall the condition of the candlestick is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are losses to the enamelling in several areas, in particular to the drip pan and to the second and third knops from the top. The shaft is loose (but stable) in its setting, and the sections between the knops are also slightly loose. It is possible, but not likely, that some of the sections of the shaft may be replacements. The pricket is slightly bent and there is minor warping to the metal in other areas such as the feet. There is a small hole to the head of each figure on the three sides of the stem. There is some greening to the copper, including to a minor extent in the crevices and on the feet, and to a larger extent on the underside. There are a few nicks, in particular to the pricket.
"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."

With three knops, flat drip-pan and foliate enamelled decoration, this tripod pricket candlestick compares closely to a pair of candlesticks in the Musée du Petit Palais, Paris (O. DUT. 1241) and to an example in the Metropolitan Museum in New York (17.190.345). The iconography, of a warrior fighting a beast, probably a lion, is a motif that is found also in other Limoges works: see, for example, a medallion at the Kunstgewerbemuseum in Berlin (inv. no. K 4254). 

Although a large portion of the corpus of medieval Limoges enamels is religiously themed, it is not exceptional to see more profane scenes, especially on candlesticks and small plaques. In these cases, as on the present candlestick, the iconography is inspired by courtly romances and chansons de geste. Heroic knights are depicted while fighting monstrous beasts, evoking a sense of poetic drama. 

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Gauthier, Catalogue International de L'Oevre de Limoges, 1. L'époque Romane, Paris, 1987, nos 184-186; M. Gauthier, E. Antoine, D. Gaborit-Chopin, L'Apogée, Corpus des Emaux Méridionaux 1190-1215, tome II, Paris, 2011, VII B II-2 A and VII C