The tripod bases with scroll feet featuring classical sphinx figures each carry a male and female mythological figure: the scantily clad female sitting on a dolphin, the bearded young male figure with tied up long hair sitting on a vine leaves entwined rock, each carrying a stylized trunk which holds the later added two-flame electrification. Both figures facing each other in their habitus and their posture, which indicates, that the lamps were designed as a pair.
The depicted couple could possibly be interpreted as Peleus and Thetis due to their attributes: Peleus, the king of Phthia married the sea-nymph Thetis after the death of his first wife Antigone. Zeus himself had shown interest in her, but had been warned by Prometheus that Thetis’ son would be taller than the father; so she was destined for a mortal. After their marriage Peleus und Thetis became the parents of the Thessalian national hero Achilleus. For the wedding of Peleus and Thetis – except for Eris – all Olympian gods were invited. As a wedding gift the groom received from Poseidon the immortal steeds Xanthos and Balios, from Cheiron the great heavy lance, and from the others all those weapons with which Achilleus was later to fight at Troy. Eris, however, the uninvited goddess of strife and discord, in revenge threw a golden apple among the guests, which bore the inscription “The most beautiful”. As a result, a quarrel broke out between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, leading to the judgment of Paris, the “Rape of Helen,” and ultimately the Trojan War.
Condition: wear consistent with age and use, wwear of gilding, European standard electrification later, in working condition. Please note, that the electrification of antique lamps may not comply with today’s standards. Please have it checked by a local certified specialist.
