19th Century French Bronze Ormolu and Porcelain Figural Desk Lamp

Details

Description

This highly decorative French Louis XVI-style gilt-brass and porcelain Bouillotte lamp is an unusually elaborate interpretation of the classic French … Read more This highly decorative French Louis XVI-style gilt-brass and porcelain Bouillotte lamp is an unusually elaborate interpretation of the classic French lighting form, combining sculptural putti, floral-painted porcelain, richly modeled metalwork, and a traditional circular shade. With its abundance of neoclassical and Rococo-inspired ornament, the lamp has the sumptuous appearance associated with fine French decorative furnishings.

The composition rises from a broad circular gilt-brass base, delicately embellished with engraved floral and foliate decoration. Above the base is an elaborate arrangement of scrolling acanthus leaves and four candle-form light fittings, each supported within richly modeled leafy surrounds. At the center appears a charming sculptural group of gilt putti or cherubic figures, modeled in animated poses and surrounded by cascading foliage. Their playful character introduces a distinctly eighteenth-century French spirit.

Rising through the center is a slender, vertically fluted brass standard incorporating decorative porcelain elements painted with delicate multicolored flowers. Pale blue borders and gilt accents frame the porcelain, creating a particularly attractive contrast with the warm golden metalwork.

The lamp is crowned by a broad circular Bouillotte shade, its gently flaring profile supported by a brass framework and surmounted by an adjustable central fitting. The pale fabric shade softens the considerable richness of the base while preserving the characteristic silhouette traditionally associated with Bouillotte lamps.

The Bouillotte lamp originated in France during the late eighteenth century and takes its name from bouillotte, a fashionable French card game. Traditional examples were designed to illuminate a card table and typically incorporated multiple candle branches beneath an adjustable shade.

This example transforms that practical historical form into an especially luxurious decorative object. The combination of gilt brass, hand-painted floral porcelain, sculptural putti, acanthus ornament, multiple lights, and classical detailing makes it an impressive statement lamp suitable for a richly furnished drawing room, library, salon, or formal interior.

As an older electrified decorative lamp, the existing wiring should not be assumed to conform to current electrical standards and should be inspected, and rewired if necessary, by a qualified electrician before regular use.



Dimensions: 24.25 inches high x 13 inches wide x 13 inches deep. See less