Paris, Circa 1750 - Pair Of Candlesticks, Ormoulu Fist Torches - Model By Ft Germain

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Pair of ormolu gilt bronze candlesticks
Dimensions: H. 17.5 (cm.)
Paris, circa 1750

Rare pair of finely chased and gilded candlesticks or flambeaux de voyage, or de poing, circa 1750. With their softened rocaille treatment, these torches retain the ternary expression and dynamism typical of this aesthetic movement. They rest on a slightly curved circular base, with six scrolls. The sinuous shaft responds to the base with a fine twisted channel motif. The spigot also repeats the motif of the base, with alternating scrolls and twisted canals. This model is reminiscent of the “du Roy” models, delivered in very large numbers for the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne.

A goldsmith's model
François Thomas Germain is credited with the production of this model of silver torch, several examples of which have survived. These include a pair from the Sotheby's sale of April 18, 2012, lot 71, as well as another shown in. Christiane Perrin, François-Thomas Germain, orfèvre des rois, p. 117

Oeuvre en comparaison : Pour un modèle proche mais stylistiquement plus daté, frappé du C couronné : vente Christies, 13 novembre 2003, lot 74

Condition report : original gilding showing a very fine patina with wear from use. The reverse still bears the artisan's or merchant's pen and ink references, showing that these have hardly been altered.