A Neo-classical giltwood girandole, circa 1770, in the manner of Robert Adam
A Neo-classical giltwood girandole, circa 1770, in the manner of Robert Adam
A single carved and giltwood Neo-classical lyre shaped girandole, circa 1770, in the manner of Robert Adam. The anthemion cresting set upon foliate scrolling with a single arm supporting a brass dripper and candle holder. The whole retaining the original ‘old process’ silver mirror plate.
Size: 32 inches (81.5 cm) high; 18 inches (46 cm) wide
Stock Number: VT20222
The Lyre shape which is used on Greek classical antiquity is recognisable in Georgian furniture design particularly after 1770 where it can be seen in the design of lighting, mirrors, chair backs and table bases.
The instrument which was pictured in a Minoan settlement in Crete at Agia Triada dates to the Mycenaean period of 1400 BC. There are many variations of the lyre and these can be found in different cultures and areas of the world.
Robert Adam spent two years on a tour of Europe with much of his time spent in Italy studying and sketching Imperial ruins and on his return, this and other influences from his tour emanated into the superb Neo Classical buildings, furniture and designs we enjoy to this day. Designers of the period were heavily influenced by the greek and Roman designs.
