Large Regency Bronze Crane Lamp
A large and unusual bronze and gilt bronze lamp base modelled as three standing cranes around a central corinthian column raised on a circular plinth base with laurel leaf border. Originally an oil lamp and now wired for electricity with silk braided flex
This ‘argand’ lamp pattern is derived from an ancient Roman marble candelabrum excavated on the site of Hadrian’s Villa by Gavin Hamilton in 1769 and subsequently engraved in Gian-Battista Piranesi’s Vasi, Candelabri, Cippi, Sarcofagi, Tripodi, Lucerne, et Ornamenti Antichi, published in 1778.
This model was invented by the Regency lamp-manufacturer James Smethurst of New Bond Street, whose registered mark of post-1814 has been recorded on examples of a similar model. A set of four lamps of identical pattern – although not apparently signed – is in the collection of the Dukes of Devonshire at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire. These were originally supplied for the Saloon of Devonshire House, London, where they are recorded in Henry Hunt’s watercolor of 1817. Two were exhibited in ‘Country House Lighting,’ Exhibition Catalogue, 1992, no.120. They form part of a larger group as there are several pairs in the Library and on the Great Stairs
The similar model stamped Smethurst was sold anonymously, Sotheby’s London, 4 June 2008 and another unstamped pair was sold anonymously, Christie’s, London, 20 May 2010, lot 10 (£23,750).
