£1,695.00
A commanding pair of large-scale architectural floor lamps, featuring significant 18th-century components. These lamps stand as an elegant homage to the Classical orders, bridging the gap between historical structural elements and sophisticated interior lighting.
Each lamp is crowned with a beautifully carved Corinthian capital, featuring the traditional double row of acanthus leaves and distinctive volutes. These retain much of their original, richly aged gilt finish, which has developed a soft, atmospheric glow over two centuries.
The columns are crafted from wood, expertly finished in a faux-marbre (scagliola) paint effect. This finish convincingly mimics the deep veining and tonal variations of rare Sienna marble.
Notably, the painted marble effect is less detailed on the reverse side of each column. This is a crucial historical indicator that these columns originally served as architectural pilasters, designed to be set against the walls or within the joinery of a grand 18th-century library or hall.
To ensure the stability required for modern floor-standing use, the lamps have been newly mounted on substantial, solid marble plinth bases.
18th-century architectural elements, likely Italian.
"In the world of high-end decoration, 'scale' is the ultimate luxury. This pair of lamps provides instant architectural gravitas to a room. The fact that the faux-marbling is lighter on the back is a wonderful 'secret' of their history—it tells us they once framed a doorway or a fireplace in a house of significant standing. The new marble bases are a thoughtful addition; they provide the necessary weight and 'ground' the columns perfectly. They are as much a pair of sculptures as they are a pair of lamps."
The lamps are in very good decorative condition, possessing a robust and sturdy stance.
The carved capitals show honest historical wear to the gilding, with the warm reddish-brown 'bole' and pale gesso peeking through in places, which is highly desirable in authentic 18th-century pieces.
The painted columns remain vibrant with minor, age-appropriate surface scuffs and stable craquelure.
The recently added marble bases are in pristine condition, free from chips or cracks.
Fully rewired to current UK standards with premium silk-covered flex and traditional brass fittings. PAT Inspection completed
Height:Â Â Â Â Â Â 130 cm /Â Â Â 51.2 inch
Width:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 22 cm /Â Â Â Â 8.7 inch
Depth:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 22 cm /Â Â Â Â 8.7 inch
Weight:Â Â Â Â Â Â 12.4 k.g. /Â Â Â 27.3 lbs
All our collections have been through our workshop and where possible, we always try to maintain the original finish preserving the patina and colour, some items are sympathetically restored and this is done by our own skilled craftsmen using only traditional methods