13th May, 2025 10:00
Paul Atkinson | The Nomadic Collector
58
A pair of large gilt-bronze, bronze, and porphyry candelabra after Jean-Louis Prieur
19th century, French, each modelled as a pair of cherubs holding a wicker basket, issuing a festooned torch with foliate stems, raised on a circular porphyry pedestal with ormolu laurel-leaf-moulded banding, and a square plinth base,
47cm wide
48cm deep
110cm high (2)
Jean-Louis Prieur (c.1732-1795) was a distinguished French sculptor and bronzier, recognised for his mastery in creating gilt-bronze objects during the latter part of the 18th century. Active during the reign of Louis XVI, Prieur is considered one of the key figures bridging rococo and neoclassical styles. He specialised in designing decorative bronze pieces such as candelabra, clock cases and garnitures, often collaborating with renowned Parisian cabinetmakers.
Prieur’s work is characterised by its refinement, combining the elegance of the rococo with the emerging clarity and symmetry of neoclassicism. His designs often feature intricate details such as acanthus leaves, floral motifs and classical figures, rendered with exceptional technical skill. His bronzework was in high demand amongst the French aristocracy, and many of his pieces were produced for royal and noble patronage.
Notably, Prieur’s candelabra - such as the pair held in the Wallace Collection ('The Wallace Collection: Catalogue of Furniture III', London, 1996, p.1219, pl.239), on which the design for this pair is based - are regarded as some of his most significant works. These pieces exemplify his ability to blend ornamental sophistication with functional design. His innovative approach to bronze-casting and his eye for fine detail cemented his reputation as one of the leading sculptor-bronziers of his time.
Prieur’s work represents a pinnacle of French decorative art in the pre-Revolutionary period and his legacy continues to be celebrated in the collections of major museums around the world.
£6,000 - £8,000
Buyer's premium: 30.00% (inclusive of VAT, where applicable)
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Auction: Paul Atkinson | The Nomadic Collector, 13th May, 2025
We are proud to unveil the full catalogue for our upcoming auction, Paul Atkinson | The Nomadic Collector — a two-day sale taking place at Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers on 13 and 14 May 2025.
This remarkable collection, assembled over a lifetime of travel and discovery, reflects Paul Atkinson’s deep passion for dealing and his boundless curiosity. Spanning continents and centuries, it includes Grand Tour bronzes, Anglo-Indian carvings, Ottoman swords, African tribal masks, and fine European furniture.
Paul was a master storyteller and magnetic personality whose charm opened doors worldwide. His acquisitions come with fascinating histories and exceptional provenance — from fishing with Bob Marley in Montego Bay, to viewing exhibitions with Salvador Dalí, to uncovering fossils in cellars once used by Charles Darwin.
Viewing
VIEWING
London Viewing | Highlights
A selection of lots will be on view Tuesday 22 April - Friday 2 May (weekdays only) at our London Gallery, 15 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ, as follows:
Monday-Friday, 11am - 6pm
Saturday - Closed
Sunday - Closed
For more information, please contact 0203 971 2500 | london@sworder.co.uk
Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 9 May, 10am - 4pm
Sunday 11 May, 10am - 1pm
Monday 12 May, 10am - 4pm
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