Joseph Chéret — Two-light Gilded Bronze Lamp With A Child Figure

A two-light gilded bronze lamp depicting a standing child with arms crossed over the chest, holding two torches with classically inspired decoration.

The curly hair, the contours of the face, and the drapery tied around the waist bring this composition to life. The delicate chiseling highlights the ornaments on the torches and the details of the figure.

The piece rests on a textured pedestal and a circular, molded base decorated with radiating fluting.

The pedestal bears the signature “Joseph Chéret,” accompanied by the inscription “E. Soleau Paris,” written in small letters beneath the signature.

The two electric lights are fitted with sleeves designed to resemble candles.

Height of the bronze without the lights: 40 cm

Joseph Chéret (1838–1894), a French sculptor and ceramist, was a student and son-in-law of Carrier-Belleuse. He exhibited at the Salon beginning in 1863 and directed the artistic work at the Sèvres Manufactory in 1887. Several of his drawings are part of the Musée d’Orsay’s collections, notably a study titled *Child Blowing Out the Flame of a Candleholder*, which reflects his interest in light fixtures featuring child figures.