BY HENRI VIAN, PARIS, LATE 19TH CENTURY

The present lantern relates to a model situated in the Marble Vestibule at the Palace of Versailles. It dates from the 1880s and is the work of Parisian bronzier and fondeur, Henri Vian of 5, rue de la Thorigny. Specialising almost exclusively in gilt-bronze, Vian produced articles of the highest quality, so much so that the style of his casting and gilding can often be mistaken for earlier work. The firm's output was concerned principally with the production of light-fittings. Vian took part in a number of late 19th century international exhibitions notably the Paris 1900 Exposition Universelle where as a member of the jury with a status, hors concurs, the latter serving as a measure of excellence, he was prohibited from competing.