CIRCA 1780, IN THE MANNER OF ROBERT ADAM

This large-scale wall-light is undoubtedly inspired by the designs of the architect Robert Adam (d. 1791). Adam established his practice in Grosvenor Square in 1759 having spent five years in Rome studying architecture under Giovanni Battista Piranesi, among others. Under George III he was promoted to Architect to the King's Board of Works and by 1763 he was at the height of his powers, recognised as the most fashionable architect of his generation and the leading proponent of the neo-classical style, still in its infancy in England. He was employed at many of the most prominent houses including Syon House, Middlesex, Harewood House, Yorkshire, and Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire and he invented many of the most iconic and recognisable furniture designs of the 18th century.
A series of designs by Adam for related wall-lights feature relief-carved plaques with classical figures in circular, oval or rectangular form, combined with platforms and urns, arranged in strictly rectilinear fashion and wreathed with delicately scrolling foliage and husks. These were intended for Derby House, 1774, and Apsley House, 1778 (Eileen Harris, The Furniture of Robert Adam, London, 1963, p. 88 and ills. 93 - 95). A pair of related but slightly smaller wall-lights, featuring circular plaques, was formerly in the collection of Peter Ascroft, Sherford House, Herefordshire, sold Christie's, London, 19 May 2016, lot 256.