A RESTAURATION ORMOLU SIX-LIGHT CENTERPIECE CANDELABRUM

ATTRIBUTED TO PIERRE-PHILIPPE THOMIRE, CIRCA 1820

Details

Modelled as three putti holding aloft a basket issuing six candle arms and resting on a cylindrical plinth base with coat of arms and motto reading 'PLUS ESSE QUAM VIDERI', possibly originally with an additional element between the candle arms
23 in. (58.5 cm.) high, 17 in. (43.5 cm.) diameter


Lot Essay

The coat-of-arms found on this centerpiece candelabrum is that of the Scholten van Aschat family. Of German origin, the Scholtens’ history can be traced back to the mid-1400s. By the 1640s, members of the family had moved their seat to Amsterdam, where they were active in overseas trade, which helped them to amess a considerable wealth and to rise within the merchant class. It was then, that the Dutch branch of the family was established. The Scholten van Aschat branch was founded by Jan Agges Scholten (1690-1772), administrator and trustee of the Dutch East India company, who became vrijheer of Aschat by purchasing the title and the land in 1718. Throughout the eighteenth century, his descendants obtained further titles, including those of vrijheer (baron) of Oud-Haarlem and heer of Kortenbosch. This candelabrum was probably commissioned by Jan Petrus Scholten van Aschat (1754-1816) or Christian Jan Burchard Scholten van Aschat (1787-1864), or possibly Willem Joan Charles Scholten van Aschat (1792-1863). Other works decorated with the Scholten van Aschat coat-of-arms sold at auction include a Chinese export porcelain tea bowl and saucer and a part coffee service, sold Christie's, London 6 February 2017, lot 211 and 11 October 2007, lot 271, respectively. Throughout the subsequent centuries, the Scholten van Aschat family had many notable members, including bankers, businessmen and, most recently, actors.