Object Description
This is a fine antique pair of French Baroque revival silver-plated wall lights circa 1900.
They feature shaped shield backs decorated with acanthus leaves, ‘S’ scrolls lattice centre panels, issuing three scrolling candle arms with campana urn nozzles, and late fitted for electricity.
Add an elegant touch to your home with this decorative pair of ormolu candle wall lights.
Provenance
Private collection, Aberdeenshire
Condition:
In excellent working condition having been cleaned and rewired.
Please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 45 cm x Width 43 cm x Depth 35 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 1 foot, 6 inches x Width 1 foot, 5 inches x Depth 1 foot, 2 inches
Ormolu
(from French ‘or moulu’, signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-carat gold in a mercury amalgam to an object of bronze. The mercury is driven off in a kiln, leaving behind a gold-coloured veneer known as ‘gilt bronze’.
The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of nitrate of mercury is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze, followed by the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.
Our reference: A5267a