An example of the popularity of “Egyptian” taste throughout most of the 19th century, the 16 3/4in (42.5cm) candelabra took the form of kneeling Naophori priestesses supporting the cornucopia branches, on rectangular tapering plinths with pseudo hieroglyphics on black marble plinths. Estimated at up to £3000, the candelabra finally sold to the London trade at £10,500.
The enduring appeal of bare-breasted women was, incidentally, noted at the Salisbury sale in a much later piece – a white marble fireplace, “of no particular age” as the auctioneers put it, featuring carved herm supports. It sold at £2200.
On the sex appeal scale, it’s hard to imagine what would come lower than a model of a greenhouse but a 17in (43cm) high wood and glazed example from the early 20th century was the biggest surprise of the day. Complete with fabric flowers in pots, it did have some decorative appeal and, against a £400-800 estimate, sold at £2100.
The lot immediately following the candelabra was another very decorative lighting piece, a set of four Continental two-branch wall lights. Comprising 20 1/2in (52cm) tapering columns of reverse-painted green and gold glass with pear-drop lustres, the brass-mounted lights went over estimate at £3400.
Decorative values shine through again
THE strength of the decorative market was underlined by a number of lots offered by Woolley & Wallis, (15% buyer’s premium) on March 16, including the day’s best seller, a pair of c.1860 bronze and ormolu twin-light candelabra, one shown right.
