A large pair of Napoleon III gilt-bronze and marble table lamps Gaston de Pontalba (1821-1875), dated 1855 and 1858

One signed GASTON DE PONTALBA 1855, the other Gaston de Pontalba 1854.

Gaston de Pontalba, was the second son of Joseph Xavier Cèlestin Delfau de Pontalba  and Micaela Leonarda Almonester, both members of aristocratic Creole families. He lived in Paris with his mother from 1838 until they fled the revolution in 1848, and travelled to New Orleans. His sketches and City views taken on the trip were published as Voyage à la Nouvelle Orlèans du Fev. 1848 au 7 Mai 1851. Known primarily as a draughtsman, his sculptural talents are evident in the few decorative objects he produced, including a fine gilt bronze clock sold at Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas, 19-20 October 2006, lot 33,333 ($62,140).