antique gilt bronze renaissance revival table lamp c1870 19th c

This is a truly superb large French antique Renaissance Revival ormolu table lamp, circa 1870 in date.

It is relief cast with grapevines, cherubs and acanthus leaves, the serpentine handle rising to a seated winged amorini and descending to a mask at the figural relief cast body with waisted stem and terminating in a circular base.This gilt bronze 19th C ewer was later converted into a lamp.The craftsmanship is second to none and it sure to add an unparalleled touch of elegance to your home.Condition:In excellent working condition having been expertly cleaned, polished and rewired in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.Dimensions in cm:Height 71 x Width 27 x Depth 17Dimensions in inches:Height 2 foot, 4 inches x Width 11 inches x Depth 7 inches
Our reference: A1481
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.No true ormolu was produced in France after around 1830 because legislation had outlawed the use of mercury. Therefore, other techniques were used instead but nothing surpasses the original mercury-firing ormolu method for sheer beauty and richness of colour.Electroplatingis the most common modern technique. Ormolu techniques are essentially the same as those used onsilver, to producesilver-gilt(also known asvermeil).

Antiques.co.uk Ref: FTDF7EAY3

Width (cm):

27

Height (cm):

71

Depth (cm):

17

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