No. 1961 / Pair of French Empire Tôle Peinte Lamps, Red and Gilt, circa 1815

A pair of French Empire tôle peinte bough pots, circa 1815, each of square tapering form in a deep burgundy-red ground, decorated in gilt with a classical dancing figure holding a thyrsus and theatrical mask within a landscape, beneath a band of gilt anthemion and foliate scrollwork, raised on gilt paw feet and their original faux-marbre plinths (later overpainted black, the original decoration visible beneath). Mounted as lamps and set on later ebonized wood bases, with matching red hand-painted tôle shades. The painted surfaces with wear, flaking and losses consistent with age and use — see detailed images.