Fine Pair of Italian Ormolu Wall Lights or Appliques in the French Empire Style

Fine Pair of Italian Gilt Bronze Wall Lights or Appliques in the French Empire Style

Italian - Circa 1880

These lovely wall lights are conceived as notched arrows with lion mask plaques in the centre of the shafts. The mouths of the lions, mounted on bronze backgrounds, hold gilt swags of interconnected beads, the same beads as are used as the decorative border framing the masks. Two naturalistic branches are attached to the lower part of the arrow shaft and these terminate in drip trays with floral detailing and candle nozzles or sconces with engine turning.

The quality of chasing and finishing on these lights is exemplary. See for example the texture of the feathers, the use of matte and polished surfaces for contrast in different areas and the vast range of different textures used throughout these pieces. The gilding is original and is typical of the finest Italian and French work of this period.

It is likely that the basic design for these pieces came from a series of wall lights first made in 1806 by Claude Galle and supplied in September of that year for use at Fontainebleu. Galle's design, illustrated in J.P. Samoyault, Muse National du Chteau de Fontainebleau, Pendules et Bronzes d'Ameublement entrs sous le Premier Empire, Paris 1989, no. 114, p. 141, features an arrow as a backplate but with a stylised anthemion rather than the feathers at the top.

These wall lights also have central plaques with applied masks but in this case the mask is of Diana. The four candle arms are attached with lion masks to the arrow stems. Galle's design was highly successful and influential, later being supplied to the Grand Trianon in 1809. It is very likely that our lights are the result of an experienced Italian design adapting Galle's design. The result is highly successful, this new design being a little less heavy without being any less refined.

Width: 8 3/4 inches - 22cm

Height: 22 inches - 56cm

Depth: 4 1/2 inches - 11cm

Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London.

Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of BADA & LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.

Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

We deliver within the UK for usually between £60-£80 and ship worldwide with professional bespoke crating via air to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS

All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.

Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS

We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.

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We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.