Pair of ormolu mounted porcelain wall lights by Pauly & Co.

This pair of wall lights is crafted from ormolu, or gilt bronze, and porcelain. Each light features a central circular porcelain backplate finely painted with figurative scenes in the Renaissance manner. One scene depicts a classical portrayal of a young man playing a lyre accompanied by a woman holding a water jug and a spray of laurel, the two set in an idyllic pastoral landscape. The other plaque illustrates a busier scene: many figures, likewise in classicising dress, gather about an altar. Both plaques are superbly painted, the central figurative roundel of each encompassed by a decorative parcel gilt border.

The frame of each light is highly elaborate: the porcelain plaque is encompassed by a laurel wreath, topped by a tied-ribbon crown. Each frame features a lower foliate section, wrought to resemble a sprig of acanthus leaves. From the centre of each frame springs twin ormolu candle holders, each branch scrolled and finished with foliate detailing.

The porcelain plaque of each light features a sticker to the reverse that reads ‘Pauly & Co. / Venezia’.