A Superb Set of Four George II Cast Candlesticks in the French Regence Taste
Each on a shaped circular base with bold beaded borders separated by 12 small fluted panels, all enclosing a plain strap with 4 bifurcated scrolls around a further reserve of matting below a raised wire of bell flowers.
The domed centres elaborately chased with shells, symmetrical scrolls and palmettes on a matted ground, surrounded by a plain surface and engraved with armorials.
The baluster columns with an octagonal knop with beaded front at the lower part beneath an octagonal stem with alternate plain and decorated surfaces.
The latter chased with trailing symmetrical leaves and scrolls. The upper knops with similar alternate plain and decorative panels chased with intertwined strapwork.
The plain octagonal sconces with pendant leaf borders.
The bases bearing original scratchweights : 21=14, 21=17, 21=3 and 21=10.
Date
Maker
1733
Charles Hatfield
Weight
Dimensions
85 oz (2643.5gm)
Height: 8.5" (21.6cm)
Diameter of bases: 5.6" (14.2cm)
Price
£28,500
Provenance
Crichtons c.1930
Sotheby's, October 20th, 2009, lot 247
We are currently researching the armorials which may have a Huguenot connection. The style of the candlesticks is very much in the French taste and whilst the female side of the arms appear to be English, the male side looks more continental.
Essay
These wonderful candlesticks are deeply influenced by what is generally termed the "French Regence" style which suggests a Huguenot connection. The maker, Charles Hatfield, was apprenticed to a Huguenot maker known for making candlestcks, Joseph Barbutt. He also finished his apprenticeship to one of the most distinguished Huguenot makers of the first half of the 18th century, David Willaume. It is not surprising, therefore, that Hatfield rose to become Subordinate Goldsmith to the King (1723-1739). In Arthur Grimwade's outstanding book on London Goldsmiths he comments in the biographical section " Although comparatively rare, his work is of a high standard and shows Huguenot influence, as is natural from his apprenticeship."
