Lot Essay
This Grecian style bacchic tripod-athenienne on altar cippus-plinth, embellished with the Temple of Thrasyllus poetic-wreath, reflects the enthusiasm for antiquity generated by James Stuart and Nicholas Revett's Antiquities of Athens, 3 vols. (1762-89); re-issued (1825-27)
A very similar torchère with light fitment appears in the 'Wilkinson Tracings', an album now in the City Museums and Art Gallery, Birmingham, (M.3.74), inscribed Tracings by Thomas Wilkinson, from the Designs of the late Mr. George Bullock 1820. This particular wreath is often found on the work of George Bullock, for instance the mahogany cabinet after a design by Thomas Hope attributed to George Bullock, sold by the late Major Eustace Robb, Tew Park Oxfordshire, 27-29 May 1987, lot 149
A very similar torchère with light fitment appears in the 'Wilkinson Tracings', an album now in the City Museums and Art Gallery, Birmingham, (M.3.74), inscribed Tracings by Thomas Wilkinson, from the Designs of the late Mr. George Bullock 1820. This particular wreath is often found on the work of George Bullock, for instance the mahogany cabinet after a design by Thomas Hope attributed to George Bullock, sold by the late Major Eustace Robb, Tew Park Oxfordshire, 27-29 May 1987, lot 149