An Italian bronze oil lamp signed B Boschetti, Roma, after the Antique circa 1830

the cover surmounted by a recumbent lioness revealing a removable brass liner, the handle in the form of a chimera, the body with an Egyptian winged mask, the spout cast with a further winged female bust in Egyptian headdress, the acanthus leave cast stem with scarabs on a rectangular green porphyry plinth

The quality of the casting is superb and the piece is in overall very good condition. It is cast in four sections and the porphyry base is separate. There is a medium size chip to one corner of the porphry base which can either be left or easily restored.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Compative Literature:
Alvar González-Palacios, Il Tempio del Gusto, Milan,1984, Vol. II, p. 131, fig. 287, illustrates an identical oil lamp signed B. Boschetti in giallo antico, in the Musem Mario Praz, Rome.  

Benedetto Boschetti is to date not well documented although some of his works have been identified and his workshop in Via Condotti, no. 74, was listed in 1856, by Bonfigli in the Artistical Directory or Guide to the Studios of The Italian and Foreign Painters and Sculptors, Rome,1856, which stated that 'The Establishment is particularly conspicuous for its great variety of marble works, bronzes, candelabras, table-tops, etc. besides a rich collection of the best mosaics and shell engravings' and Boschetti had 'attained the Prize Medal at the Exhibition in London'. Boschetti is also mentioned in the 1858, 1867 and 1869 editions of Murray's Handbook, p. XXVI. sec. 36.

Other known works by this maker signed `B. Boschetti', include a bronze copy of the famous relief of Antinous in the Villa Albani which appeared in a sale in Florence in 1974; a copy in rosso antico marble of the Warwick vase in the Ohio Museum, Toldeo; and a tripod from the Villa d'Iside in Pompeii in the collection of the Knights of Glin, Ireland as mentioned by A.G.P. in the note to the Gilbert Collection.

An identical oil lamp signed by the same maker, on a green marble base, was sold in these Rooms, lot 87, 14th June 2000 for £25,000.