Lamp (2) - Gilt bronze, Patinated bronze - Époque Empire

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Starting bid
€ 1

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Constance Rousseau
Expert
Selected by Constance Rousseau

Master marquetry craftswoman with 4 years' expert experience. Trainee auctioneer at Sotheby's Paris.

Estimate  € 3,200 - € 3,900
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Description from the seller

Beautiful and large pair of oil lamps called “sinombres or astrales” from the Empire period, adapted as current lighting lamps.
Each lamp features a central amphora-shaped shaft in green patinated Empire bronze resting on a stepped square base.
Two swans facing each other, with wings spread, animate the upper part in perfect symmetry.
The lower part, for its part, bears a circular collar, in gilded bronze, adorned with fine fluting. An elegant gilded bronze carved pedestal connects to the square base, which acts as a pedestal.

Associated with Apollo and Venus in the ancient tradition, the swan embodies beauty, purity, and faithful love. Under the Consulate and the Empire of Napoleon Bonaparte, it becomes a decorative motif prized, notably in refined interiors, where it also evokes gentleness and femininity. It is frequently found in private apartments, boudoirs, washrooms, or on objects related to intimacy.

Early 19th century, Empire period.

Shades from a later period.

Nice condition, signs of use.

A brief historical note:
A true revolution at the beginning of the 19th century, the discovery of the astral lamp, invented by Isaac Bordier-Marcet (1768-1835, Swiss engineer, industrialist and inventor), marked a fundamental advance in the history of lighting and revolutionized the oil lamp. With its flat ring-shaped reservoir surrounding the burner, its flame lights objects from top to bottom, without casting shadows on its supports. There were luxury versions, whose base was made in various noble materials (marble, bronze, silver, etc.). Since the globes are fragile, these lamps have very often seen them replaced advantageously by lampshades.

Beautiful and large pair of oil lamps called “sinombres or astrales” from the Empire period, adapted as current lighting lamps.
Each lamp features a central amphora-shaped shaft in green patinated Empire bronze resting on a stepped square base.
Two swans facing each other, with wings spread, animate the upper part in perfect symmetry.
The lower part, for its part, bears a circular collar, in gilded bronze, adorned with fine fluting. An elegant gilded bronze carved pedestal connects to the square base, which acts as a pedestal.

Associated with Apollo and Venus in the ancient tradition, the swan embodies beauty, purity, and faithful love. Under the Consulate and the Empire of Napoleon Bonaparte, it becomes a decorative motif prized, notably in refined interiors, where it also evokes gentleness and femininity. It is frequently found in private apartments, boudoirs, washrooms, or on objects related to intimacy.

Early 19th century, Empire period.

Shades from a later period.

Nice condition, signs of use.

A brief historical note:
A true revolution at the beginning of the 19th century, the discovery of the astral lamp, invented by Isaac Bordier-Marcet (1768-1835, Swiss engineer, industrialist and inventor), marked a fundamental advance in the history of lighting and revolutionized the oil lamp. With its flat ring-shaped reservoir surrounding the burner, its flame lights objects from top to bottom, without casting shadows on its supports. There were luxury versions, whose base was made in various noble materials (marble, bronze, silver, etc.). Since the globes are fragile, these lamps have very often seen them replaced advantageously by lampshades.

Details

Era
1400-1900
Bronze type
Gilt bronze, Patinated bronze
Title additional information
Époque Empire
Number of objects
2
Material
Bronze
Country of origin
France
Style
Antique
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
In working order
Yes
Height
84 cm
Width
34.5 cm
Depth
34.5 cm
Estimated period
1800-1850
FranceVerified
pro

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