Riccio's Oil Lamp

This bronze lamp by Riccio (Andrea Briosco) is based on a Roman sandal and is covered with intricate reliefs. It features subjects such as Nereids, Tritons, Pan, harpies, putti, goats, musical instruments, shells, masks, and garlands. It was owned by a series of distinguished Paduan collectors and would have provided its owner with pleasure and intellectual stimulation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2023
Publisher: D Giles Ltd

This remarkable bronze lamp, crafted by the talented Andrea Briosco, stands as one of a series of intricate creations. Its form is inspired by a Roman sandal, and its surface is adorned with elaborate reliefs that showcase a goldsmith's exquisite refinement and remarkable detail. The subjects depicted on the lamp evoke the essence of classical art and poetry, featuring a diverse range of figures such as Nereids, Tritons, Pan, harpies, countless putti, goats, musical instruments, shells, masks, and garlands. The lamp's design, reminiscent of a Roman half-boot, is striking, with a peculiar shoe balanced on a pyramidal base. As Ian Wardropper explores in his essay, this lamp would have undoubtedly brought its owner immense pleasure and intellectual stimulation.

Early in its history, this remarkable lamp was owned by a series of distinguished Paduan collectors. Accompanying Wardropper's essay is a beautiful poem by James Fenton, which further enhances the appreciation of this extraordinary piece.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 196 x 273 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913875312