Ancient Lampstands, a Perfume Casket and a Funeral Pyre Relief, 1842

This is an original antique lithograph from the Galleria Universale di Tutti i Popoli del Mondo (Venice, Giuseppe Antonelli, 1842), with a violet wash applied by hand to the lampstands in the upper image only. The upper image shows two tall lampstands and a casket. The lampstand at the left has a curving, branch like shaft with scrolling arms, from which two lamps hang on chains, one in the form of a shell; it stands on a broad base with three lion paw feet. The lampstand at the right is a straight column with two scrolled arms, each holding a hanging lamp on chains, on paw feet. Between them a casket on paw feet stands with its lid open, its front carved with an animal skull between garlands and rosettes. The lower image shows a broken stone relief. At the left a woman in long drapery stands with her head bowed, holding a jar at her shoulder. Behind a tall stack of logs laid in crossing layers, a second woman raises both hands to her head.

The plate is lettered "Tom. IV" at the upper left, "GRECIA" in the center and "Tav. 143" at the upper right. The upper caption reads "Lampadari e Cassetta da profumi" (lampstands and a perfume casket), and the lower caption reads "Pira e Cerimonie funebri" (pyre and funeral ceremonies).

In the ancient world oil lamps were often hung from tall bronze stands, and raising the hands to the head was a traditional gesture of mourning.

The calm gray tones suit a study or a collection of classical antiquities.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed.