Pair of ormolu mounted Sèvres style porcelain lamps by Picard

This superb pair of lamp bases consist of Sèvres porcelain bodies and gilt-bronze mounts, made by the acclaimed designer and caster Henri Picard (French, fl. 1831-1864), who decorated many a Sèvres piece in this style. The beautiful bleu celeste porcelain bodies are decorated with putti on a turquoise background in a series of allegorical painting showing the four seasons.

A common motif in fine art and painting, but a rarity in decorative works such as this, the presence of such beautifully executed paintings on the porcelain of the vases showing the four seasons demonstrates the quality and rarity of these works.

The bronzes are stamped under the feet 'H. Picard'. The lamps stand on splayed ormolu feet, fringed with foliate motifs and laurel wreaths. The porcelain is mounted with distinctive square Classical style-handles. These works are both beautiful works of decorative art, and excellent lighting pieces for a stylish interior.