Italian 19th Century Green Marble and Gilt Bronze Louis XVI Style Urn-Form Lamps

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A handsome pair of Italian 19th-century Louis XVI style urn-form lamps, executed in richly variegated green Verde Antico marble and … Read more A handsome pair of Italian 19th-century Louis XVI style urn-form lamps, executed in richly variegated green Verde Antico marble and finely cast gilt bronze. Each lamp is constructed in a classical urn form, with a broad, rounded body rising from a circular socle and supported by a substantial square plinth. The deeply colored green marble displays a naturally mottled and speckled surface throughout, providing an elegant contrast to the warm gilded bronze mounts.
The urns are elaborately embellished with classical gilt bronze ornament. The upper sections feature molded circular collars and rims, while the square plinths are raised on four rounded bun feet. On either side of each urn are finely modeled swan's-head handles, cast in relief with carefully rendered features. Suspended from the mouths of the swans are decorative gilt bronze wreaths formed as intertwined and braided vines, adding movement and an especially refined neoclassical detail.
The tops are further fitted with circular gilt bronze medallions decorated with molded and cast leaf ornament. The overall design reflects the Louis XVI style's characteristic emphasis on symmetry, architectural geometry, restrained classical forms, and motifs inspired by antiquity. The combination of Verde Antico marble and elaborate gilt bronze mounts gives the pair a particularly grand architectural presence, while their urn form makes them equally appropriate as decorative objects or as substantial table lamps.
Great antique working condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use. Each lamp measures approximately 32 inches tall by 8.5 inches in diameter. A striking and decorative pair suitable for a formal salon, library, console, entryway, or other sophisticated interior. See less