Pr. Russian Ormolu & Bronze Lamps w/ Genies of Study & Philosophy, after Boizot

Description

A Pair of Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Russian Lamps with the Genies of L'Étude and La Philosophie, After Models by Louis-Simon Boizot (French, 1743–1809) The pair is composed of patinated bronze allegorical figures seated upon ormolu vessels modeled after ancient oil lamps. Each lamp is of elongated curved form with an elevated nozzle terminating in a circular rosette disk. The bodies are cast with fluted lower reserves and rest on waisted circular socles raised upon square plinth bases. The ormolu surfaces display a burnished and matte gilt finish, contrasting with the dark patinated bronze figures above. One figure depicts a draped female seated in profile, holding an open book across her lap with her head inclined toward the pages. Her companion is represented as a partially draped male figure seated in a corresponding pose, writing upon a tablet supported on his knees. The female figure wears a flowing garment gathered over the shoulder and around the legs, while the male figure is modeled with exposed torso and a draped mantle falling across the lower body. Hair, facial features, fingers, and folds of drapery are rendered with defined casting, and the pair is conceived as opposing companions designed for symmetrical display. Though modeled after ancient oil lamps, these objects are decorative and were not intended for practical illumination. The allegorical figures represent L'Étude and La Philosophie, or Study and Philosophy, after models by Louis-Simon Boizot. Boizot served as a sculptor and designer associated with the Sèvres manufactory and produced numerous neoclassical models for porcelain and decorative arts. In 1780 he sold models of these allegorical figures to the Sèvres porcelain manufactory, where they were produced in unglazed white porcelain until 1786. The present pair follows those established compositions in Russian bronze and ormolu production, translating Boizot’s figural models into metal with preserved iconographic details and sculptural arrangement. Russian workshops produced gilt and patinated bronze decorative objects drawing upon French neoclassical sources, often adapting celebrated models into metal using mercury gilding and dark patination. This pair reflects that practice through the combination of ormolu lamp bodies and contrasting bronze figures. The casting of the figures shows defined anatomical modeling and drapery treatment, while the ormolu retains a bright gilt surface across the fluted bodies, nozzles, socles, and bases. The substantial scale, balanced composition, and preserved gilt and patinated surfaces indicate a pair of high production quality and strong decorative value.

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