AN ITALIAN POLYCHROMED AND GILT ENAMELLED COPPER CANDLESTICK, VENICE, LATE 15TH CENTURY |

With J. Kugel Gallery, Paris
Yves Saint Laurent - Pierre Bergé Collection, rue de Babylone

In overall good condition with minor scratches and a few minor losses to the enamel in several places consistent with age and handling. There is some restoration under the first balustrade and along the edges of the drip pan and the foot. The enamel is slightly tarnished in some places. The bronze elements are later additions.
"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."

A little over three hundred enameled copper and gold objects exist today which are traditionally attributed to Venetian workshops from the end of the Middle Ages onwards. The blue, green and turquoise polychromy, highlighted with gold, characterizes this particularly refined production. Admired by great collectors from the mid-19^th century, these enameled pieces have been compared to the Murano glass, which is also enameled, and their production naturally attributed to Venice.  But the shortage of archive sources on the subject and recent research by specialists leave room for other possible hypotheses regarding their origin which will certainly be the subject of future publications. The shape and sumptuousness of these ostentatious pieces relates to Venetian and Florentine enameled silver vessels and other utilitarian items of the second half of the 15^th century. Although some comparable vessels are known, candlesticks such as the present lot are much more rare.