Gilded Wooden Flagpole, Empire Style, Lyre, Music, Fanfare, Harmony, Empire Eagle, 19th Century

This carved and gold-leafed wooden flagpole finial dates from the first half of the 19th century, during the Empire or Restoration periods. This full-relief parade ornament takes the form of a neoclassical lyre, a traditional symbol of the musical societies and marching bands of the era. The structure is distinguished by the great authenticity of its carving, evident in the meticulous detailing of the central eight-petaled rosette and the upper shell. The side posts are topped by two carved bird-of-prey heads in profile, evoking the imperial decorative repertoire.  The original gold leaf gilding shows signs of wear and tear in places. These areas reveal the raw wood and the red primer in spots.  The base retains its original mounting hole designed to accommodate the sleeve. A similar piece is cataloged in the collections of the Brussels Museum.