An Italian silver, patinated, gilt-bronze and hardstone library lamp by Giovacchino Belli, Roma, circa 1820
Auction Closed
September 25, 05:46 PM GMT
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 EUR
Lot Details
Description
on a circular blue stone base, the base adorned with vines garlands, the stem made as a gilt and patinated bronze statue of Mercury resting on the head of the shepherd Argos, Mercury holding a lamp with four spouts, with four chained accessories, with a flame finial, marks on the base and the oil lamp: French title and guarantee for 1809-1819 and maker's mark
Height. 74 cm. (29 in.)
Sotheby’s Paris, 26 June 2013, lot 143
Library lamps are an Italian specialty and come in a variety of shapes. Our example is decorated with Mercury, the god who taught humans the art of making fire, but can be of other shapes such as a Florentine-style oil lamp in the shape of an antique lamp with three or four spouts, or with an Egyptian porter, relating to the Egyptomania that swept Europe in the early 19th century. These lamps often have a screen to dim the direct light from the candle and prevent fires. They also have utensils attached by chains, such as snuffers, extinguishers and tongs.
For a similar silver and bronze lamp oil with a Mercury stem by Giovacchino Belli, see Cambi, Genoa, 16 June 2022, lot 203.
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