Large, ornate hanging lamp for the Sabbath and holydays. Italy, probably Venice, 18th or Early 19th century.
Brass, cast and engraved; brass, sawn, repoussé and punched.
Large, interesting lamp, combining typical Italian and Dutch elements, comprising six parts: upper decoration shaped as a crown, a double-headed vulture ornament, a spherical ornament that functions as a reflector, a large oil pan with twelve pinched spouts for wicks, a drip pan, and a weight.
The crown ornament, oil pan, and drip pan are decorated with elaborate, matching, vegetal patterns; the spherical ornament is decorated with a wreath of leaves.
The overall design of the lamp resembles the style of Dutch Sabbath lamps that was prevalent during the 18th century, and the style of its ornamentation is reminiscent of repoussé work common in Dutch brass lamps of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Yet, the shape of the multi-spouted oil pan is typical of Italian Sabbath lamps. The double-headed vulture ornament is sometimes featured in German Sabbath lamps ("Judenstern"), but as a self-standing piece, it is only documented in a few silver Sabbath lamps, originating in England and Germany.

Height: approx. 86 cm. Diameter of oil pan: 31.5 cm. Overall good condition. Minor blemishes. Thick metal strip soldered onto the inner part of the crown, with suspension holes. Suspension rod enclosed (late).

Provenance: Private collection of a family of Venetian origin.