A LOUIS XVI ORMOLU THREE-LIGHT BOUILLOTTE LAMP

CIRCA 1780

Details
A LOUIS XVI ORMOLU THREE-LIGHT BOUILLOTTE LAMP
Circa 1780
The circular dark green tle shade decorated with foliate trails lifting above a fluted columnar stem with leaf-tip-cast collar surmounted by a vase-form engine-turned finial, issuing foliate-scrolled candlebranches terminating with helmeted warrior mask medallions, on a pierced flower-cast basket base with engine-turned edge
33in. (84cm.) high, 17in. (43cm.) diameter
Provenance
Bensimon, Paris

Lot Essay

This type of lamp which became a common feature in 19th century French interiors, particularly in libraries, was first recorded around 1780. The name derives from the original function of this type of flambeau which was placed at the center of a table bouillotte, a large circular table (sometimes folding) used to play a popular card-game under Louis XVI called the bouillotte. The adjustable tle screen or garde-vue protected the players from the glare and the heat of the candlelights.

A related lamp is in the Muse National du chteau de Pau and illustrated in Lon de Gror, Les arts dcoratifs de 1790 1850, Fribourg, 1985, p. 274.

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