19th Century Grand Tour Bronze Figural Oil Lamp

This is a superb and highly decorative antique bronze oil lamp, believed to date from the early 19th century and originating from the Grand Tour period. It is of classical inspiration, the lamp has been beautifully cast in bronze and displays a wonderfully rich, dark aged patina. The elongated body is raised upon a finely detailed circular pedestal foot and is extensively decorated throughout with scrolling foliate and classical ornamentation. Particularly attractive is the wonderfully elaborate upswept handle, which incorporates an animal-head terminal beneath an openwork scrolling thumbpiece. The upper surface is equally decorative, with finely cast floral and foliate detailing surrounding the central oil reservoir. Perhaps the most charming feature is the removable figural cover, modelled as a seated classical putto or young child holding what appears to be a small bird. When removed, the cover reveals the original circular opening to the oil reservoir beneath. The projecting front section incorporates the original burner fitting, while the underside and pedestal construction further demonstrate the quality and complexity of the casting. At just 10.6cm in height, this is a relatively small Grand Tour object, but one with an extraordinary amount of decorative detail and considerable presence. The lamp displays the sort of Neo-Classical and Renaissance-inspired imagery that became particularly fashionable amongst European travellers and collectors during the Grand Tour period, when finely made bronzes after classical and antiquarian designs were acquired as souvenirs of continental travel. A beautiful, unusual and immensely decorative antique bronze that would make a wonderful addition to a collection of Grand Tour objects, early bronzes or classical works of art. Attributes Grand Tour Bronze Italian or French Circa: 1830-1840 ^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^ *A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece* Delivery Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services. Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces that we sell. We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition. For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days. Returns Policy: Artsonline provides a genuine no-quibble 14-day money-back refund policy (excluding the cost of Postage and Packaging). Pay securely - Telephone orders welcome Image result for payments accepted logos Secure-Payment-Vpadeb-sa-la-go-th-et-an-gt-0011086-BACS-Order-PayPal-M/Card