Pair of French Louis XVI Style 19th Century Bronze Medusa Hall Trees

Description

each tall and finely crafted fluted bronze hall tree adorned with finely detailed gilt-bronze neoclassical decoration with berry finials, bows, … more each tall and finely crafted fluted bronze hall tree adorned with finely detailed gilt-bronze neoclassical decoration with berry finials, bows, ribbons, and tassels centering a trophy with lyre; the dramatic medusa mask emanating writhing snakes (for coats) with coiled snakes further down the shaft (for umbrellas); all over a square openwork base; purchased in 1994 from Leah's Antique Gallery, New York City (receipt attached).
Medusa, while originally thought of as a monster who turned men into stone when they looked upon her, has morphed over time into a figure of beauty and represents the strength and power of women. less