Pair of quinqués; France, Napoleon III, third quarter of the 19th century.

Pair of quinqués; France, Napoleon III, third quarter of the nineteenth century.
Gilded and patinated bronze.
Electrified and working.
Measurements: 78 x 21 x 21 cm (x2). 40 cm (diameter of the lampshade, x2).
Pair of quinqués transformed into lamps made in bronze and enhanced with fine gilded ormolu appliques, pieces that respond to the refined decorative taste of the Second French Empire (Napoleon III, second half of the 19th century). The quality of the casting and gilding reveals a careful and meticulous workshop work.
The body of the vases shows a classically inspired vegetal ornamentation, with leaves and scrolls finely chiseled in the patinated bronze, which generate a visual contrast with the golden gleams of the ormolu.
The handles, of a particularly original design, add dynamism to the silhouette of the whole, helping to enhance the sculptural character of the pieces.
At some later time, these quinqués were adapted and electrified as table lamps, being mounted with double lampholders, which adds functional value without detracting from their decorative imprint. This type of transformation was common in the transition from the 19th to the 20th century, when numerous pieces of decorative arts were adapted to the new lighting needs without losing their artistic category.