A Grand Pair of 19th-Century Gilt-Bronze Mounted Verde Antico Marble Vases, Now Lamps

A magnificent pair of 19th-century Neoclassical vases, carved from richly figured Verde Antico marble and mounted with exceptionally finely cast and chased gilt-bronze ornament. Now professionally converted for use as table lamps, they retain the scale, symmetry and commanding decorative presence of their original vase form.

Each vase has a broad, ovoid body rising to a flared neck, the deeply mottled green marble animated by dramatic passages of black, grey and pale mineral veining. Against this cool and complex surface, the gilt bronze mounts appear particularly luminous. The shoulders are encircled by finely twisted ropework and flanked by imposing ram’s-head handles, their sweeping, ridged horns forming elegant loops beside the neck.

The quality of the bronze work is especially evident in the modelling of the rams. Their curling horns, alert eyes and flowing coats have been crisply cast and carefully chased to create considerable sculptural depth. From their heads are suspended generous fruiting garlands, modelled in unusually high relief with grapes, berries, leaves and split pomegranates. Individual fruits and foliage are distinctly articulated, producing a rich play of light and shadow across the polished marble.

Professionally adapted for electricity and capable of being wired for use in any country, the pair would make exceptionally imposing lamps for a drawing room, library or entrance hall, or placed at either end of a grand console. With suitably proportioned shades, the warm gilding and polished green marble will create a particularly sumptuous effect.

Origin: Continental Europe
Date: 19th century
Style: Neoclassical
Materials: Verde Antico marble and gilt bronze
Condition: Excellent; professionally converted to electricity
Height to the top of each vase, excluding electrical fitting: 43.5 cm (17⅛ in.)
Width: 26 cm (10¼ in.)

The ornament is steeped in the symbolic language of antiquity. Rams were associated with strength, virility and sacrifice, and frequently appeared upon ancient vessels, altars and ceremonial furniture. Here, their meaning is softened by the abundant garlands: grapes, fruit and pomegranates evoke fertility, prosperity and plenty, while also introducing a distinctly Bacchic character. Together, the masks and swags suggest the generosity of the harvest and the pleasures of feasting and hospitality—particularly appropriate imagery for objects intended for a grand reception or dining interior.

At the base of each body is a finely modelled gilt-bronze calyx of upright acanthus leaves, visually supporting the vase while recalling the regenerative foliage of classical architecture. Each stands upon a turned marble socle encircled by a bold beaded mount and a substantial square gilt-bronze plinth enriched with a finely chased leaf-tip border.

The success of the design lies in its controlled contrast: the natural irregularity and depth of the Verde Antico marble is held within a precise architectural framework of gilded bronze. Despite the richness of the ornament, the mounts remain beautifully balanced and symmetrical, demonstrating the work of an accomplished bronze founder and ciseleur.