Pair French Silvered Bronze Photophores or Hurricanes, Mid 20th Century

Details

Description

20th century, silvered bronze with glass shades. In the Regence style with faceted stem and shaped base.

Note:
This model … Read more 20th century, silvered bronze with glass shades. In the Regence style with faceted stem and shaped base.

Note:
This model of hurricane lamps evolved in France in the early decades of the 18th century from a baluster shaped base, with the pedestal becoming more intricate, gradually adopting the curves of the Regence style.

Sometimes called garden torches, hurricane lamps are a type of candlestick designed to shield candle flames from wind and harsh weather. They were once used to illuminate terraces and gardens, in both summer and winter.

In the 20th century, many decorators utilized in their designs this type of hurricane lamp, notably produced after various 18th century models.
At auction in the 21st century, several models were to be found in the collections of noted tastemakers Bill Blass, Hubert de Givenchy, Jayne Wrightsman and most recently Mica Ertegun, with many achieving startling results. See less