Object Description
Pair of gilt-bronze mounted Sèvres porcelain lamp bases by Picard
French, Late 19th Century
Height 52cm, width 21cm, depth 16cm
These superb pieces are a pair of Sèvres style porcelain lamps bases, mounted with gilt-bronze decorations and base by the renowned maker and bronzier Henri Picard (French fl. 1831-1864), well known for his collaborative work with the Sèvres porcelain manufactory, and who was the official supplier and gilder to Emperor Napoleon III.
Featuring on front and back painted scenes on a bleu celeste background, they are decorated with finely executed allegorical depictions of the four seasons, a common motif in fine art and painting, less so in the realm of decorative works, demonstrating the artistry and quality of these works. The lamps are based on a square plinth with splayed ormolu feet, fringed with foliate motifs and laurel wreaths, and mounted on the side with distinctive Classically-styled square handles.