Pair 19th Century Neoclassical Painted Parcel-Gilt Torcheres

In excellent condition commensurate with their age and use.

Robert Adam (1728–1792) was one of the most important British architects working in the neoclassical style. He was a main force in the development of a unified style that extended beyond architecture and interiors to include both the fixed and moveable objects in a room. He incorporated design ideas from ancient Greece and Rome into his forms and decoration. His famous London houses include Kenwood House, Osterley Park and Syon House. Born in Kirkaldy, Scotland, Robert Adam was the son of the established architect William Adam, and followed him into the family practice. In 1754 he embarked on a ‘’Grand Tour’’, spending five years in France and Italy visiting classical sites and studying architecture. On his return Adam established his own practice in London with his Brother James. Although classical architecture was already becoming popular, Adam developed his own style, known as the ”Adam style” or ”Adamesque”. This style was influenced by classical design but did not follow Roman architectural rules as strictly as Palladianism did. His theory of “movement” in architecture, based on his studies of antiquity and became one of the most successful and fashionable architects in the Country. Adam held the post of Architect of the King’s Works from 1761 to 1769.

Robert Adam was a leader of the first phase of the classical revival in England and Scotland from around 1760 until his death. He influenced the development of Western architecture, both in Europe and in North America.

Marmo Conchigliare Rosso di Roma, is an extremely rare red fossil marble, detailed in the World famous Corsi collection, its exact place of quarry was unknown.

In Greek mythology, Medusa was a guardian, protectress, she was a monster, generally described as a winged human female with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed upon her face would turn to stone. Medusa was one of three Sisters born to Phorcys and Ceto known as the Gorgons. According to Hesiod’s Theogony, the Gorgons were the Sisters of the Graiai and lived in the utmost place towards the night by the Hesperides beyond Oceanus. Later authors such as Herodotus and Pausanias place the Gorgons’ abode in Libya. The Gorgon Sisters were Sthenno, Euryale, and Medusa; Medusa was mortal while her Sisters were immortal. Beyond the Gorgon’s birth, there is little mention of the Gorgons as a group, but Medusa has several myths about her life and death. The most famous of these myths concern her death and demise. In Hesiod’s Theogony, he recounts how Perseus cut off the head of Medusa and from her blood sprang Chrysaor and Pegasus, Chrysaor being a golden giant and Pegasus the famous white winged-horse.

Approximate size:

Height 30.75 inches

Diameter 14.35 inches

A highly decorative pair.