A pair of unusual English carved and gilt gesso owl wall brackets
probably early 19th century, perhaps in the manner of William Kent (British, 1685-1748)
the gadrooned circular plateau tops supported on the heads of the birds with outspread and clenched talons, with iron bracket fixings, 28cm high, 52cm wide, 24cm deep (2)
Footnotes:
The painter, architect and interior designer William Kent was major figure of Palladianism deriving his inspiration from the designs of the 16th century Italian architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580). Strongly influenced by ancient Roman architecture the motifs of classicism and its motifs of shells, masks and pediments formed the basis of the architectural movement. Beginning as painter, Kent's interest shifted to architecture and interior decoration after meeting the amateur architect and patron, Richard Boyle, third early of Burlington. The pair first met whilst on 'Grand Tour' in Italy where Burlington was studying the architecture of Andrea Palladio. As such he duly engaged Kent to decorate both Chiswick and his London home, Burlington House. The villa at Chiswick was inspired by Palladio's Villa Rotunda at Vicenza and built to Burlington's designs between 1724-1727. The interior was decorated and furnished to the designs of William Kent by a team of craftsmen including cabinet-maker Benjamin Goodison and carver and gilder John Boson. Burlington had married Lady Dorothy Savile in 1721 and during the building works at Chiswick she was made Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Caroline. Whilst undertaking her position at court she oversaw the decoration in conjunction with Burlington and Kent including choosing fabrics and bed hangings. Pertinently she oversaw the decoration of the Garden Room or Summer Parlour at her own 'expense' which incorporated owl motifs from her family crest to the elaborating painted ceiling and it was this owl theme that is attributed as the influence for Kent supplying a pair of pier tables and matching mirrors decorated with carved and gilded owls Chiswick House