These rare wall lights, with their distinctive and elegant combination of silver and ormolu motifs, relate to the work of Viennese silversmiths and bronziers such as Anton Matthias Domanek (1713-1779), whose most celebrated work is the gueridon of ormolu and steel with petrified wood top, gifted to Marie-Antoinette by her sister Archduchess Maria Christina in 1770 and which remains at the château de Versailles. Domanek also supplied a chandelier in steel and rock crystal which was offered as a diplomatic gift to the King of Denmark and remains in the Royal Collection at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen. A further related steel and ormolu chandelier, attributed to Domanek and with similar stylized foliate ornament, was sold Christie's, Paris, 28 November 207, lot 703 (€187,500).
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The Collector: English & European Furniture, Ceramics, Silver & Works of Art
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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
With a well-maintained appearance, structurally sound and ready to place. Minor overall surface scratching, tarnish, tiny casting flaws and rubbing as can only be expected with age. Some tarnish to the silver which is apparently unmarked. Both left arms with solder repairs near the top. One backplate a little dented and it's open score with a solder repair; it is also missing its lower tassel. The other open score an old replacement.
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Lot 253Sale 21000
POSSIBLY VIENNA, CIRCA 1775-80A PAIR OF LOUIS XVI ORMOLU AND SILVER TWIN-BRANCH WALL-LIGHTSEstimate: USD 7,000 - 10,000
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