Object Literature
The design for these candlesticks, incorporating lion heads in lieu of satyr heads, is dated to the early part of Pierre Gouthière’s output, circa 1765. The combined elements of the Greek key border and the satyr herms reflect the contemporary neo-classical style which was popular in France during the reign of Louis XVI, and which witnessed a revival in the latter half of the 19th century.
Literature:
Verlet, Pierre. Les bronzes dorés français du XVIIIe siècle. Paris: Picard, 1999, pp. 197-8 (illus. fig. 227). Showing a single candlestick by Gouthière.
Hughes, Peter. The Wallace Collection: Catalogue of Furniture. London: Trustees of the Wallace Collection, 1996, pp. 1545-6 (illus. fig. 6). Showing a pair in the home of Sir Richard Wallace on the mantelpiece.
Goodison, Nicholas. Matthew Boulton: Ormolu. London: Christie’s, 2002, pp. 66-7 (fig. 16), pp. 187-9 (figs. 133-8). For a discussion of the lion-faced candletiscks by Matthew Boulton.