A set of four 19th century ormolu wall lights
237
A set of four 19th century ormolu wall lights
in the Louis XIV style, of octagonal form, each surmounted by a pair of opposing crowned dolphins centred by a fleur de lis, the bevelled plates within a border of five foliate and strapwork relief motifs each centred by a mask or a cabochon device on a plain ground, the sides with strapwork and fleur de lis decoration, the aprons each with a bearded mask entwined with serpents and flanked by alternate bird and bat wings issuing three scrolling candle arms, the back of one wall light bearing a printed label 'FRONT HALL', the candle drip-pans drilled for electricity, the candle arms and the plates possibly added at a later date, 31cm wide, 19cm deep, 48cm high (12" wide, 7" deep, 18.5" high). (4)
Estimate:
£2,000 - 3,000
€2,400 - 3,600
US$ 3,000 - 4,600

Footnotes

  • The crowned dolphins to the cresting of the present lot are emblematic of Louis the Grand Dauphin of France (1661-1711), born the eldest son of Louis XIV. His destiny to rule France was never realised as he pre-deceased his father. However he gained recognition as a great military figure and was also noted for his art collection. Louis' residences included an apartment in the Château de Versailles and among others he employed Jean Bérain as one of his 'house' designers. It is tempting to speculate that the offered wall lights are based on examples such as those which may have featured in The Grand Dauphin's private apartments.

Category: Furniture / European Furniture and Works of Art

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