Royal Vienna, late 19th century
Pair of Porcelain Lamps with Classical Portraits
Porcelain with gilt bronze mounts, 28 × 15 × 10 in.
The Imperial and Royal Porcelain Manufactory of Vienna—commonly known as Royal Vienna—was among Europe’s most prestigious porcelain workshops. Renowned for its richly painted decoration and meticulous gilding, the manufactory set a standard of refinement emulated across the continent.
This pair of urns, later adapted as lamps, displays the hallmark style of Royal Vienna porcelain. Each vessel features finely rendered portrait medallions of allegorical women, framed by intricate gilt scrollwork and panels of polychrome enamel. Opposite sides show landscapes painted with equal precision, offering a balance of human beauty and natural scenery.
The urns rest on square plinths and gilt-bronze bases that underscore their neoclassical inspiration. By the late 19th century, Royal Vienna pieces such as these were sought after by collectors and connoisseurs across Europe for their union of painterly finesse, classical themes, and decorative luxury. Adapted with electrical fittings, the pair bridges traditional porcelain artistry with modern domestic use.
