A Grand Neo-Gothic Gilt-Bronze Lantern

Object Description

A Grand Neo-Gothic Gilt-Bronze Lantern, By Louchet Frères, Paris.

The hexagonal-shaped lantern with yellow glass tracery windows. Issuing gargoyle three-light candle arms to the sides. Chain hung from a ceiling rose modelled with owls above a smaller top lantern joined by a spirally twisted rod. Wired for electricity.

Stamped ‘LOUCHET’.

France, Circa 1900.

The Gothic Revival was an architectural and artistic movement that grew in England in the 18th and 19th centuries. Inspired by the medieval gothic cathedrals, the movement spread throughout Europe and the Americas. It was linked to Romanticism and the idea that there was a purity to medieval architecture that made it closer to God. In France, it was promoted by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc (1814-1879) who theorised on the subject and became famous for restoring medieval French landmarks, including Notre-Dame de Paris

Object History

Paul Louchet (French, 1854-1936) exhibited at the Paris Salon from 1882 to 1931. He was a painter, engraver, jeweller and bronzier.

In 1878 he established, with Henri Louchet, the maison Louchet Frères which specialised in bronze-making. Paul was president of the French bronze manufacturers’ association. In 1884 he was joined by his brother Charles. They sign ‘Louchet Fondeur Paris’, ‘Paris Louchet Ciseleur’ and with the stamp ‘Louchet’.

Object Literature

E. & R. Kashley, ‘Nineteenth Century French and Western European Sculpture in Bronze’, New York, p. 278.

Object Details