Pair of Neoclassical Recumbent Lion Table Lamps - After Canova

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A superb and highly sculptural pair of Neoclassical table lamps in the form of recumbent lions, after the iconic 19th-century … Read more A superb and highly sculptural pair of Neoclassical table lamps in the form of recumbent lions, after the iconic 19th-century marble lions by Antonio Canova at Chatsworth House, England.

Each lamp depicts a majestic male lion in repose, his muscular body draped elegantly over a plinth, his magnificent mane rendered in exuberant, Baroque swirling curls, his head resting nobly on his outstretched paw. As captured in your superb macro photographs, the sculpture is extraordinary: every lock of the mane, every whisker, every claw and sinew is crisply cast with academic precision, then hand-finished with an exquisite antiqued patina - creamy faux travertine marble with umber and bistre wax washes settled into the crevices to simulate centuries of age, with subtle craquelure and speckling.

The lions rest on a two-tier faux stone plinth: the upper tier is smooth faux marble in ivory, the lower tier is heavily textured faux travertine / brownstone with rough, pitted, excavated surfaces as seen in your close-up - the perfect "ruin" contrast. The entire sculpture sits on a stepped, giltwood-style platform base in distressed off-white with a burnished antique gold fillet showing craquelure - as photographed - adding a final touch of Regency grandeur.

Fitted with new solid brass hardware, rotary sockets, and crisp rectangular off-white linen drum shades that give them a clean, contemporary designer look while letting the sculpture remain the star. When lit, they are pure power and elegance. See less