A Matched Set of North Italian Polychrome-Painted And Parcel-Gilt Figural Torcheres. Venice, circa 1740. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd 2012

Comprising two pairs, each with a figure of an African holding a dolphin and cornucopia and standing on rockwork, one with a paper label to reverse E.IMBERT.M NAPOLEONE/38/ANTIQUARIO/MIL...., two with inscription to rockwork Antonio Ferici 1873and one 1872/Antonio/Ferici; 65¼ in. (166 cm.) high and 63¾ in. (162 cm.) high (4). Lot 272. Estimate $100,000 - $200,000

Notes: These African figures, with the marine elements of the dolphins elegantly entwined around them, are perfectly emblematic for Venice, the great port with centuries of sophisticated international relations.

There are many examples, of course, of richly carved Baroque and Rococo figural torcheres commissioned for decorating Roman, Genoese, Florentine and even Milanese palazzi. But it was Venice, in particular, where these were especially popular. The most spectacular and exaggerated examples are, as always, by the master carver Andrea Brustolon, and there are multiple torcheres by Brustolon presently in the Ca' Rezzonico collection some of which relate to the present group (see C. Alberici, Il mobile Veneto, Milan, 1980, nos. 229-239). However, one torchere with its chunky rockwork base and writhing putti and marine animals upholding a shell tazze, is particularly close to the present lot. Another interesting comparison is a pair of Florentine torcheres from the late 17th century, also in the form of African figures holding cornucopia, that share many of the same design elements as this group.

While there does not appear to be any records of Antonio Ferici, the name inscribed on three of the bases, it is possible he was responsible for their restoration in the 1870's. 

Christie's. 500 Years: Decorative Arts Europe Including Oriental Carpets. 7 June 2012 . New York, Rockefeller Plaza