Pair of French white marble and ormolu pedestals

The pedestals in this pair are crafted from ormolu (gilt bronze) mounted white marble and are designed about an informed and refined Neoclassical scheme. The rectangular white marble base of each pedestal stands on four ormolu splayed feet. This base, the upper edge of which is fitted with an inset ormolu mount, supports the multi-element ‘shaft’ of the pedestal.

This ‘shaft’ loosely follows the form of the triumphal arch. From the front of the base rise twin free-standing columns, the shafts of white marble and the tori and capitals of ormolu ornately cast with acanthus leaf motifs. These twin columns support an arch, which in turn carries the tall entablature of the pedestal. Behind these twin columns, situated on the white marble block that rises from the base in tandem with the free-standing columns, is an elaborate ormolu mount composed of a quiver and arrows crossed and wrapped with ribbons and laurels. The spandrels of the arch are mounted with scrolling foliate form elements.

The entablature of each pedestal is mounted with a selection of ormolu forms: mounted centrally is an ormolu emblem composed of crossed torches encompassed by ribbons and laurels. This emblem is surrounded by an encompassing square sequence of ormolu mounts, each taking a foliate form. Each pedestal is surmounted by a large multi-tiered white marble podium. The entire ensemble is spare and refined in nature—traits typical of the Neoclassical style.