An exceptional pair of bronze lamps of campana shape, attributable to Messenger's of Birmingham, the bodies with finely executed friezes depicting Putti enacting Bacchanalian scenes, the handles supported by two masks of Bacchus. When in use as lamps, the domed lids with flame finials would be removed and a metal frame to support a frosted and cut glass shade could be employed, (now absent, the lamps having been dismantled in the lamp room of some fine English Country House).
The Grand Tour, taken by young gentlemen and many artists from the middle of 17th century, and with Italy as its principle destination, gave rise to the fashion for all things classical in art, architecture and the applied arts. The great houses and gardens of Britain could now be built to designs after Andrea Palladio and furnished in keeping with this developing fashion. The Wanstead House Urn, with its theme of Bacchus and Ariadne, carved from white Carrara marble by Laurent Delvaux, is closed at the rim in a similar way to these urns whilst a painting on copper in the Green Closet at Ham House, Richmond-upon-Thames, PUTTI ENACTING A BACCHANALIAN SCENE by "Octavo Rene" (Otto van Veen), is perhaps the inspiration for the design of the friezes around the bodies of these urns.
English circa 1820.
h:12.75 in x 5 in x 5 in
Item Code: 2376
£ 5250
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