Bronze and Ormolu Candlestick Urns With Reversible Tops - A Pair

Details

Description

Regency Mantel Display: Bronze and Ormolu Urns

Object: Pair of Urns with Reversible Candlestick Tops
Origin: England
Date: Circa 1815-1830 … Read more Regency Mantel Display: Bronze and Ormolu Urns

Object: Pair of Urns with Reversible Candlestick Tops
Origin: England
Date: Circa 1815-1830 (Regency Period / George IV)
Medium: Patinated Bronze and Ormolu (Gilt Bronze)

This elegant pair of bronze and ormolu urns exemplifies the luxurious taste and Neoclassical design principles of the English Regency period. Modeled in the classical Campana shape, the urns feature a dark, patinated bronze body richly accented with ormolu (gilt bronze) mounts, creating a striking contrast that was highly fashionable for mantelpieces and decorative table displays of the era.

The ornamentation is rich in classical and exotic symbolism:

Handles: Applied ormolu handles are finely cast in the shape of dolphins, a classical motif often associated with Neptune and the sea, popular during the maritime-focused Regency period.

Finials: The removable, pierced tops are surmounted by a detailed pineapple, a potent symbol of hospitality, wealth, and rarity in 19th-century England, given its exotic origins.

Function: The design is highly ingenious. The top section is reversible, allowing the objects to function either as lidded urns (cassolettes) or as candlesticks, making them versatile pieces for the interior display known as a garniture.

Historical Context: Regency Metalwork

The combination of dark bronze and bright ormolu was a hallmark of the Empire and Regency styles, heavily influenced by the archaeological discoveries of the late 18th century (Herculaneum and Pompeii). English makers often borrowed forms directly from contemporary French designs. The meticulous chasing and gilding on these pieces would have been performed by highly skilled craftsmen, indicating a high-status commission intended for a prosperous home.

References

Lassira, T.J. (Ed.): Empire Style: Furniture and Decorative Arts in France, England, Russia, and America (For context on the Neoclassical influence on form).

Reilly, Robin & Savage, George: The Dictionary of Wedgwood (Context for English Neoclassicism in decorative arts).

Major Museum Collections (e.g., V&A, Metropolitan Museum of Art): Consult collections focusing on English Regency and Empire Metalwork for comparable bronze and ormolu mantel garnitures and cassolettes.

(Ref: VM98065) See less