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Bronze wall lights ‘Caduceus of Hermes’, gilt bronze, 1890`s ca, French.

These wall lights have been gently cleaned while respecting the antique patina. They are newly rewired & earthed, fully working, PAT tested by an electrician and ready to install. Light bulbs are included; it is possible to use these lights in other countries although it may be necessary to purchase different light bulbs suitable to local electricity. These lights  are compatible with a dimmer.

This pair of antique bronze wall lights are a reinterpretation of the traditional French emblem the ‘Caduceus of Hermes’ and is associated with the phrase ‘Virtutis Fortuna Comes’ translated as ‘Fortune is the companion of virtue’. Two snakes entwined round a pole holding a winged hat (petasus). The caduceus, with entwined snakes and twin wings, stands upright between the horns of Amalthea. This was the herald’s staff, attribute of Mercury, god and symbol of eloquence, intellectual pursuits and financial success. The entwined serpents are a symbol of peace. Amalthea was the she-goat that suckled the infant Jupiter. Her horn became the cornucopia, the horn of plenty. It thus indicates how material wealth blesses men of intellect and eloquence.

At 43cm tall, these large wall lights have twin branches (the cornucopia) decorated with opening acanthus leaves and a cluster of flowers in copper. Each main arm rises upwards finishing at the top with a new lamp holder.

These arms are joined at the bottom by an acanthus leaf ending in a grape vine decorative finial.

To hang each frame to the wall there is a hole at the top of the winged hat, together with a round decorative screw to fit to the wall.

There is a removable polished brass rectangular metal plate fitted to the back of each frame, to hide the wiring inside. It is fitted to the frame by 3 screws, the bottom one has a round decorative nut that cleverly becomes part of the grapevine on the front side.

Each light is finished with a removable new clip-on black silk lampshade, finished with black fabric trim and metallic gold lining.

Each wall light carries 2 standard small screw light bulbs (E14) up to 40 Watts. At present these lights are fitted & photographed with Candle Clear shaped light bulbs of 25 Watts. These are included in the price.

Both lights are in very good condition. The bronze frames are quality cast and have a good weight. They have an aged patina with rubbing to the gilt in places as expected. The lampshades are new and also in excellent condition.

Additional dimensions:

The frame without the shade is - Height: 38 cm, Width: 22 cm, Depth: 12 cm.

The rectangular polished brass plate that attaches to the wall is Height: 12.5 cm, Width: 5 cm.

The lampshade alone has the following dimensions - Height: 9.5 cm, Diameter at the bottom: 14 cm, Diameter at the top: 7 cm

Packing is offered free of charge. We take special professional care with packing. For safe transport the shades will be wrapped separately in bubble wrap and an outer layer of card. These will be stacked together. The frames will also be wrapped separately in bubble wrap & card. Together these pieces would easily fit into a box with loose fill packing suitable for posting with a courier.

FRENCH EMBLEMS HISTORY - CADUCEUS OF HERMES

The Emblem Book in the 1513 & 1534 editions by Andrea Alciato, Edited by Mino Gabriele, Milano, Adelphi, 2009 is a fundamental resource book to historical emblems. Andrea Alciato (1492-1550) was primarily a famous jurist. His book on emblems was published for the first time in Augsburg in 1513 and then reprinted and enriched with new materials on countless occasions. It is considered a milestone in the history of Renaissance literature on Emblems and Endeavours. photo Caduceous Emblem Book from http://letteraturaartistica.blogspot.com/.