A pair of bronze Carcel Lamps in the form of Trajan's columns

A pair of large Carcel lamps in the form of spiral columns or Trajan columns
Patinated bronze, gilded bronze, cut crystal, glass
Restauration period, Paris circa 1820

Total height: 90 cm
Height under globe: 60 cm

Wired for electricity with a dimmer switch (E14 bulbs)


The shafts in the form of spiral columns in the style of Trajan and Antonine columns, adorned with Corinthian capitals in chiseled and gilded bronze. The bases with steps adorned on one side with allegories of the sea or the earth, but also on the other three sides with applied motifs of lyre, bouquet of flowers, or floral cups in gilded bronze. Globes in crystal with wheel-cut lenticular motifs.

Patented by clockmaker Guillaume Carcel in October 1800, the Carcel lamp was once equipped with a clock mechanism located in the base, which, coupled with a pump, was responsible for sending the combustion oil directly into the burner. Precious and expensive, these mechanical lamps were manufactured by various Parisian establishments, including Carcel, Gagneau, and Gotten, to name a few.