Italian 19th C. Grand Tour Period Patinated Bronze Oil Lamp, After B. Boschetti

Description

Italian 19th C. Grand Tour Period Patinated Bronze Oil Lamp, After B. Boschetti. This patinated bronze oil lamp is modeled in the form of an ancient Roman vessel and is mounted on a rectangular marble base. The oval bowl is supported by a flared pedestal with leaf cast decoration rising from a square plinth. One side is formed by a winged dragon with a curled tail serving as the handle, its body detailed with textured scales, raised wings, pointed ears, and an open mouth. The opposite side terminates in a projecting satyr mask spout with curled hair, ram's horns, and a flowing beard. The bowl is decorated with fluted panels, molded borders, and classical ornament surrounding a central oil reservoir fitted within the interior. The bronze retains a dark patinated surface that highlights the cast details throughout the composition. This oil lamp is after a design by Benedetto Boschetti, one of the leading Roman bronze founders and dealers serving Grand Tour travelers during the nineteenth century. Boschetti specialized in reproductions of celebrated archaeological models inspired by excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum. Examples of his work were supplied to collectors seeking bronze reproductions of ancient objects. Lamps of this type are associated with his Roman workshop and are characteristic of his documented production. Boschetti's workshop employed bronze casting followed by chasing and patination to define the modeled surfaces and ornamental details. His designs frequently combined mythological creatures, classical masks, and architectural ornament drawn from surviving Roman antiquities. The marble base provides a stable support while reflecting the presentation commonly used for Grand Tour bronzes produced in Rome during the nineteenth century. Dimensions: 11" Height 10" Width 4" Depth

Details

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