Silver-plated Bronze And Painted Sheet Metal Hot-water Bottle Lamp — Empire Period

A very elegant silver-plated, chiseled bronze hot-water bottle lamp, from the Empire period, circa 1810–1820, notable for the quality of its frame and the excellent condition of its antique lampshade made of polychrome-painted sheet metal.

The lamp rests on a beautiful circular, multi-tiered base, adorned with molded moldings and finely chiseled friezes. At the center rises a column-shaped shaft, punctuated by fluting and geometric motifs, the richness of whose decoration attests to a particularly meticulous craftsmanship.

Two symmetrical lamp arms, elegantly curved, extend from either side of the shaft. The junction between them is adorned with stylized foliage and palmettes, while the cups and finials also feature refined moldings, beads, and fluting.

The shaft extends above the lampshade with a vertical spire, topped by an elegant, molded spherical element. A small side handle in the shape of a stylized feather allows for height adjustment of the lampshade, following the traditional design of the “bouillotte” lamp.

The lamp is topped by its beautiful antique painted sheet-metal lampshade, with a flared shape, retaining its original polychrome finish. The dark background is adorned with a delicate frieze of leafy twigs and gilded branches, adding a particularly elegant decorative touch to the frame’s understated design.

The lampshade naturally exhibits signs of wear, missing paint, and imperfections in the polychrome finish, but it is particularly noteworthy that this antique piece has been preserved in its original condition. These marks of age contribute to the charm and authenticity of the lamp.

The lamp was retrofitted with electricity, while retaining its original frame.

A truly beautiful piece of Empire-style lighting, both decorative and refined, whose quality of carving, elegance of proportions, and above all the presence of its original, painted antique lampshade make it a

particularly appealing model.

Period: Empire, circa 1810–1820
Material: silver-plated bronze and painted sheet metal
Lighting: two arms
Antique, original painted sheet metal lampshade
Retrofitted electrical wiring
In good overall condition, with some wear and chips in the lampshade’s polychrome finish.