Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Bronze and Red Marble Lamps

FINE PAIR OF NEOCLASSICAL ORMOLU-MOUNTED ROUGE MARBLE TABLE LAMPS
France, probably Paris, circa third quarter of the 19th century
Item # 404LBP26Q

A magnificent pair of Neoclassical vases converted into lamps, they are designed loosely after the influential vases of Antiquity known as the Medici and Borhese Vases. Those Kraters were executed in marble and have been widely considered the finest and most well-conceived vases of Antiquity. They have been frequently copied and have been the inspiration for many decorative arts, including the present pair.

The original vases feature bas-relief scenes in the Medici vase of a seated Iphigenia beneath a statue of Diana surrounded by Achilles, Ulysses and Agamemnon and in the Borghese vase a scene of drunk Silenius, Dionysus wearing his animal skin garment and Ariadne all together accompanied by a procession of revellers.

The present example departs from antiquity, focusing only on the Bacchic revellers and have repeated this motif across the field of the vase. They carry in their outstretched arms wreathes and long drapes of their garments, several carrying in hand the Thrysus. The chorus of figures is loosely reminiscent to the Borghese Dancers, also known as the Dancing Hours, executed in bas relief in marble and held in the Louvre. They are a stark contrast to the patinated bronze background, the only patinated bronze present in the urns.

The frieze employs the same grapevine motif of the original vases while the lower portion of the vase replicating the acanthus and anthemion castings with the bold fluted handles raised over gadrooned and fluted footings. The vases are raised over wonderful rouge marble elements mounted with simple cove-molded rims and hung with laurel wreaths, the bases elevated on boldly reeded toupie feet.

The quality of the casting is above reproach, each with exquisite chiseling and engraving of the detail throughout. Both are rewired with braided cord and are ready to place. A very fine acquisition.


Measurements: 35 3/4" H (including harp) x 6 1/8" W x 6 1/8" D

Condition Report:
Trace discoloration to the gilding, light wear through gilding in some areas, overall remaining a vibrant and very fine presentation. Old repaired cracks to the rouge marble throughout, minor chips and nicks. Rewired in braided cord and ready to place.