A French candlestick lamp in the Empire taste, its stem cast as a dolphin standing on its head with its tail curling up to support the candle cup. The dolphin is finished in a dark green patina and finely scaled, with a scrolled tail and a carved face resting on the base. Above, a gilt bronze bobèche edged in leaves holds a beaded candle cup and a cream candle sleeve. The round stepped base is engine-turned, with chain and beaded borders. Dolphins were a favorite motif of the Empire period, drawn from classical Rome. Topped with a pleated black shade, it is lovely on a bedside table, a desk, or a bookshelf.
- Style: French Empire style
- Age: Early 20th century
- Material: Patinated and gilt bronze
- Details: Dolphin stem with scaled body and scrolled tail, leaf-edged bobèche, beaded candle cup, engine-turned stepped base with chain and beaded borders; shown with a pleated black shade
- Dimensions: 16"H
- Condition: Good antique condition with rubbing to the patina on the dolphin showing the bronze beneath, and light wear to the gilt consistent with age. Rewired to American standards
