George IV Brass and Crystal Lustres
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A pair of George IV brass and cut crystal twin-light lustres, each with the petalled base rising to a hexagonal shaft supporting a bearded bust issuing two scrolled arms from a fruiting vine basket and terminating in a spear finial, the two sconces hung with prism drops. Height 49.5 cm. Provenance: Mr J. Smiley, Woollahra
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- Finial - An architectural decoration, found on the upper parts of of an object. On furniture they are usually found on pediments, canopies and shelf supports. On smaller ceramic or silver items, such as spoons, they may decorate the top of the item itself, or the lid or cover where they provide a useful handle for removal.
Finials have a variety of shapes and forms. They may be urn-shaped, baluster shaped round or spiral, but usually taper into an upper point. Many real life shapes may also be used as finials, such as pineapples, berries, pinecones, buds, lotus and acorns. Sometimes animals such as a lion are depicted, or fish and dolphins. - Sconce - A light attached to a wall. Originally a candle holder that is attached to a wall with an ornamental bracket and sometimes with a reflective back plate, but now applied to an electric light that has been inspired by that design.
In recent times the word has also come into use to desribe the candle holders on a candelabra. - Lustres on Chandeliers and Candelabra - Lustres, as seen on candelabra and chandeliers are the glass or crystal drops or pendants that hang from the arms or branches of the fixture. They are often arranged in a decorative pattern and can range in size and shape, from small teardrops to large spheres.
Lustres are designed to catch and refract light, creating a sparkling, shimmering effect. The drops are typically made of cut glass or crystal, which has a high refractive index, meaning that it bends and reflects light in a particularly beautiful way. The drops may be clear or coloured, and may be smooth or faceted.
Lustres have been used in chandeliers and candelabra for centuries, and were particularly popular during the Baroque and Rococo periods. They continue to be used today in both traditional and modern lighting designs, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to any space. - George Iv - George IV (1762 ? 1830) was king of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and king of Hanover from 1820, until his own death in 1830. From 1811 until his accession in 1820, he served as Prince Regent during his father's final mental illness.
In English furniture design, his reign from 1811 to 1830 is known as the Regency period.
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