A Pair of Louis XVI Ormolu-mounted, Patinated Bronze and Alabastro Fiorito Brule-Parfums. Circa 1785-90

A Pair of Louis XVI Ormolu-mounted, Patinated Bronze and Alabastro Fiorito Brule-Parfums. Circa 1785-90.

These spectacular Brule-Parfums supported by elegant female caryatids, linked by garlands, standing on a triform marble base relate to the work of the celebrated Parisian bronzier Francois Remond (1747 – 1812). Designed in the Louis XVI antique manner, they correspond closely to the taste favoured by George, Prince of Wales, later George IV at Carlton House under the joint influence of his architect Henry Holland and famed marchand-mercier Dominique Daguerre.

The design of these brule-parfums is derived from the design for a pair of candelabra supplied by Remond for the cabinet turc as part of a Turkish design, for the Compte d”Artois at Versailles, 28 November 1783. A pair of that model, supplied by Daguerre to the Prince Regent for Carlton House remain in the Royal Collection displayed in the King’s Bedchamber at Windsor Castle (RCIN 39216). Although slightly different in form, the basic conceit of three supporting female figures is the same, also of patinated bronze set against richly gilt ormolu, in that case, linked with gilt chains in place of the garlands employed here. Daguerre included a pair of candelabra of that model in one of the series of sales he organized at Christie's 25-26 March 1791, second day’s sale, Lot 51.

A pair of related brule-parfums of this model, but with bodies of white marble, is illustrated in P.Kjellberg, Objets Montes du Moyen Age a nos Jours Paris 2000.p.160.

Provenance

Christies , New York, 20th October 2006, Lot 770 $120,000.

Francis Remond (1747 -1812).

He was one of the pre-eminent bronziers of his era. Appointed Maitre-doreur in 1774 his rise was meteoric, having the fourth highest turnover amongst some eight hundred other bronziers in Paris by 1786. He worked as a fondeur and ciseleur, as well as a doreur and thus was able to exercise considerable artistic control over his output. In particular, he worked extensively for Daguerre, for whom he supplied work valued at the staggering sum of 920,000 livres between 1778 and 1792.

Dimensions

Price on application

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance