£1,650.00
A striking and beautifully cast pair of early 20th-century Egyptian Revival bronze table lamps, each modelled as Cleopatra and retaining a wonderful dark, aged patina.
The substantial bronze figures depict Cleopatra standing elegantly in flowing robes, wearing an Egyptian-inspired headdress and jewellery. Each figure holds aloft a decorative torch, around which a serpent coils before rising to an ornate foliate fitting and a large spherical white opaline glass globe.
A striking and beautifully cast pair of early 20th-century Egyptian Revival bronze table lamps, each modelled as Cleopatra and retaining a wonderful dark, aged patina.
The substantial bronze figures depict Cleopatra standing elegantly in flowing robes, wearing an Egyptian-inspired headdress and jewellery. Each figure holds aloft a decorative torch, around which a serpent coils before rising to an ornate foliate fitting and a large spherical white opaline glass globe.
The quality of the casting is particularly pleasing, with careful attention given to the facial features, jewellery, hands and folds of the drapery. Natural wear to the raised areas of the bronze has revealed warmer golden tones beneath the darker patination, giving the figures a wonderfully rich and established surface.
Each lamp stands upon a substantial stepped circular bronze base with beaded detailing and is individually inscribed “Cleopatra”. At approximately 5 kg per lamp, the weight and solidity of the bronze give the pair considerable presence and a real sense of quality.
The simplicity of the white opaline globes provides a beautiful contrast against the dark bronze. When illuminated, they produce a soft, atmospheric light while allowing the sculptural figures to remain the focus.
Egyptian Revival design enjoyed several periods of popularity, with a particularly important resurgence during the early decades of the 20th century as European fascination with Ancient Egypt influenced architecture, jewellery, furniture and the decorative arts. The subject of Cleopatra, combined with the serpent motif and classical torch form, makes this pair especially evocative of that taste.
What makes these particularly appealing is their survival as a matching pair. They work equally well as functional lighting and as decorative sculpture and would make an impressive statement positioned at either end of a console or sideboard, either side of a fireplace, or within a drawing room, library, entrance hall or substantial bedroom.
An unusual and highly decorative pair of substantial bronze figural lamps, combining the exoticism of the Egyptian Revival with wonderfully atmospheric period lighting.
European fascination with Ancient Egypt had a profound influence upon the decorative arts throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Egyptian Revival design incorporated motifs such as sphinxes, scarabs, lotus flowers, serpents, pharaohs and stylised Egyptian figures into furniture, sculpture, jewellery, architecture and lighting.
Interest intensified considerably during the early 20th century and reached another high point following Howard Carter's discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Egyptian imagery subsequently became particularly compatible with the emerging glamour and geometry of the Art Deco period.
Cleopatra provided designers with an especially evocative subject. Her image allowed Egyptian references to be combined with the elegant female figure, exotic costume and the theatrical qualities that worked particularly well in decorative sculpture and lighting.
These lamps follow that tradition beautifully. Cleopatra is presented almost as a torch bearer, with the raised arm and serpent-entwined stem forming an integral part of the lighting design rather than simply supporting a conventional lamp fitting.
The result is both sculpture and functional lighting — exactly the type of dramatic decorative object for which the Egyptian Revival became known.
Early 20th century
Circa 1920–1930
Period: Egyptian Revival / Art Deco era
The dating is based upon the design, casting, decorative treatment and overall stylistic characteristics. In the absence of a documented maker or foundry mark, we prefer not to make a more precise attribution.
Continental European
Likely European manufacture. Without an identifiable foundry mark or documentary provenance, we would prefer not to attribute the pair specifically to France or Austria.
Unknown
No identifiable sculptor's signature, manufacturer's name or foundry mark has presently been established.
The inscription “Cleopatra” identifies the subject/model rather than the maker.
Cast bronze, opaline glass and electrical components.
The substantial figural bodies and bases are cast in bronze with a rich dark patination.
The raised areas display naturally occurring warmer highlights where the patinated surface has gently worn over time.
Each lamp weighs approximately 5 kg, giving the pair a combined weight of approximately 10 kg.
The lamps are finished with large spherical white opaline glass globes.
Egyptian Revival
With influences associated with early Art Deco and early 20th-century European decorative arts.
Private collection.
No further documentary provenance or original purchase information accompanies the pair.
As no identifiable maker's or foundry mark has presently been established, we have deliberately avoided making an unsupported attribution.
We absolutely love this pair.
Finding one good antique or period figural lamp is relatively easy; finding a matching pair of this scale, weight and decorative presence is considerably more difficult, and that was what immediately attracted us to them.
They are wonderfully theatrical without becoming overly ornate. The contrast between the dark bronze figures and simple white opaline globes is particularly successful, while closer inspection reveals some lovely details — Cleopatra's jewellery and headdress, the folds of her robes and, most notably, the serpent winding its way around each raised torch.
We also particularly like the fact that each base is actually inscribed “Cleopatra”, leaving no ambiguity as to whom the figures were intended to represent.
Despite their Egyptian Revival origins, we don't think these need to sit within an overtly Egyptian interior. In fact, we think they would be especially effective used as pieces of sculpture within an otherwise restrained room.
As a pair they would look superb flanking a large console table or sideboard, either side of a fireplace, or positioned within an entrance hall, library, drawing room or substantial bedroom.
They are exactly the type of lighting we are always looking for — unusual, beautifully decorative and capable of completely changing the character of a room.
Both lamps have passed through the Shackleton Fox workshop, where they have undergone a full assessment.
They have been professionally rewired as required using appropriate electrical components whilst respecting the integrity and character of the original lamps.
Both lamps have been PAT inspected and tested and meet applicable UK electrical standards, ready for use within the United Kingdom.
For destinations outside the UK, electrical requirements can vary and the lamps may require appropriate adaptation by a suitably qualified electrician to meet local regulations.
Presented in very good decorative condition consistent with their age.
The bronze retains a rich and attractive established patina, with natural variations in tone and areas of gentle rubbing to the raised details revealing warmer bronze beneath.
There are minor marks and surface wear consistent with age and previous use, all of which contribute to the character of the pair rather than detracting from their appearance.
The lamps have been sympathetically cleaned and assessed through our workshop without excessive polishing or restoration, allowing the established patina to remain.
The opaline glass globes present very well, with any minor manufacturing irregularities or light signs of age considered consistent with period glass.
Please refer to the detailed photographs, which form an integral part of the condition report.
Height: 64 cm / 25.2 inches
Width: 16 cm / 6.3 inches
Depth: 16 cm / 6.3 inches
Weight: 5 kg / 11 lbs
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
