The tripod bases entwined with Mercury's symbolic caduceous. The channeled legs with rams' head and hoof embellishments above tri-partite platform bases supported on shaped feet. The Neo-Classical design modeled after the antique Greek tripod found in the Temple of Apollo at Delphi and popularised by Adam. "The type popularised by Adam consisted of three long ram-headed uprights, supporting the top and enclosing a vase or column. This structure was sometimes mounted on a plinth, a snake twisted round the tripod recalling the ornament of the classic originals." The Dictionary of English Furniture.

English, Circa 1780

Provenance
The Late Major F.H.D. Jervoise of Herriard Park, Basingstoke.

'Works in Architecture' by Robert Adam, 17 7 3. Vol II, n.I Plate VIII.
Illustrates a design for a torchere as a 'Tripod for vase for candles'.
New Designs for Vases & Tripods' by George Richardson 1773. Plate 2 3 Illustrates a tripod with rams masks and serpents.
The Dictionary of English Furniture' by R. Edwards. Illustrates an almost identical torchere from Clandon Park, Surrey.

Height: 57 I /2" 146cm

Width: 161 /2" 42cm