This pair of elegant table lamps are of French origin, during the late 1800’s. They are depictions of Classical Greek muses, seated on ornate ottomans with splayed legs, in the Klismos style. These bronzes were cast in separate pieces and then attached to square, dark rouge marble plinths, which were later added to larger marble blocks and converted to table lamps. The shades are a light cream color, of which the height can be adjusted by a small knob on the rear of the lamps.
In ancient Greece, the muses were the inspirational goddesses of literature, science, and the arts. They served as popular subjects for ancient Greek sculptors, and subsequently, painters for the last several hundred years. These bronze lamps were expertly cast and they reproduce the perfect proportion and fine detail of Greek statuary. They have a dark green patina, which is nicely contrasted by the elegant silk shades and rouge marble bases.
CONDITION: Very good condition with some minor nicks to marble, and light wear to bronzes.