antique french ormolu cherub table lamp louis xvi style c.1900

This is a truly superb antique ormolu Louis XVI Revival table lamp, circa 1900 in date.

The central stem is cast as a standing cherub holding aloft a candle sconce. It is raised on a cylindrical column base flanked by ram heads with acanthus leaves and is raised on a decorative quatrefoil base with ormolu toupie feet.
The craftsmanship is second to none throughout all aspects of this piece and it is sure to add an unparalleled touch of eleganceto your home.Condition:In excellent working condition having been beautifully cleaned and rewired in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.Dimensions in cm:Height 54 x Width 17 x Depth 17Dimensions in inches:Height 1 foot, 9 inches x Width 7 inches x Depth 7 inches
Our reference: A1862
Ormolu -(from French 'or moulu', signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-caratgoldin amercuryamalgamto an object ofbronze.The mercury is driven off in akilnleaving behind a gold-coloured veneerknown as'gilt bronze'.The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding orfire-gilding, in which a solution ofnitrate of mercuryis applied to a piece ofcopper,brass, or bronze, followed by the application of anamalgamof gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.
Lost Wax Method
sometimes called by the French name of cire perdue or the Latin, cera perduta is the process by which a bronze or brass is cast from an artists sculpture.In industrial uses, the modern process is called investment casting. An ancient practice, the process today varies from foundry to foundry, but the steps which are usually used in casting small bronze sculptures in a modern bronze foundry are generally quite standardised.

Antiques.co.uk Ref: BK8GAJM2A

Width (cm):

17

Height (cm):

54

Depth (cm):

17

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