Rare Pair of French Luis XVI Bronze Lanterns with Cupids and Garlands of Flowers

Description

A Rare Pair of French Louis XVI Style Doré Bronze and Curved Glass circular shaped Lanterns with Cupids and Floral Garlands Presented as a pair, these French Louis XVI style lanterns are constructed with tall cylindrical glass bodies enclosed by substantial doré bronze frameworks. Each lantern is organized around a circular lower ring and a matching upper crown, both cast with repeating classical moldings. Curved glass panels are secured by vertical bronze stiles, creating a clear architectural rhythm around the circumference. At the upper edge, scrolling foliate handles extend outward, their surfaces chased with leaf veins and finished with turned terminals. Three Seated cupids Playing Musical Instruments appear at intervals along the top rim, modeled in full relief and integrated directly into the surrounding structure. Draped floral garlands cross the glass panels, forming continuous swags that unify the design. Attention to detail is visible throughout the bronze work. The garlands are composed of layered blossoms and foliage, each flower individually defined rather than cast as a flat band. Ribbon ties and rosette mounts anchor the swags at regular points, introducing visual punctuation between the vertical supports. Borders along the upper and lower rings incorporate bead chains, fluting, and scrolling reserves, all sharply articulated. Inside each lantern, a central stem supports a multi light candle form arrangement with curved arms, shaped drip pans, and candle sleeves, evenly spaced to maintain symmetry when viewed through the glass enclosure. Execution reflects a high level of production quality. Casting remains crisp across both structural and figural elements, from the facial features of the cupids to the layered petals of the floral decoration. Gilded surfaces are consistent in tone, allowing the varied textures to read clearly under light. The scale is commanding, giving the lanterns strong architectural presence while preserving clarity of detail at close range. Together, glass and bronze combine to create a pair of lanterns that balance sculptural ornament with disciplined Louis XVI form, resulting in lighting objects of notable refinement and presence. It is rare to find a pair of Lanterns of this quality, condition, and scale. Paris, Circa 1880; we recommend to have the wires redone to your specification. Overall Height: 38" Diameter of Bottom: 15" widest Diameter at top: 19"

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