MID-18TH CENTURY

Details

A VENETIAN GILTWOOD GIRANDOLE
MID-18TH CENTURY
With an arched plate engraved with the figure of Hercules headed by scrolls and foliage in a narrow moulded giltwood frame surmounted by a small shell, formerly with candle-branches
30½ in. (77 cm.) high; 17 in. (43 cm.) wide

Provenance

Acquired from Jeremy, 18 February 1985 (a set of three).

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

This triumphal arched sconce celebrates Roman virtue and evokes the poetic concept of abundance through labour. The heroic club-bearing Hercules is crowned by a floral baldachino incorporating 'Apollo' laurels and sunflowers. The figure was popularly associated with Ceres, harvest Goddess of Plenty, who was depicted on another sconce from the same set, sold Christie's London, 17 January 2005, lot 114.

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