A fine Empire alabaster and gilt and patinated bronze mounted pendant ceiling light, early 19th century and later refitted, the dished circular section body surmounted by a gallery cast with anthemia and lion mask mounts, suspended from foliate cast chains and rising to a conforming corona, with acanthus carved terminal, approximately 39cm wide, 94cm high overall Provenance: Brancaster Hall, Norfolk Acquired by the present vendor at Bonhams Knightsbridge, the Contents of Brancaster Hall, Norfolk, 9 September 2002 The coastal area surrounding Brancaster is best-known as the birthplace of Lord Nelson, who was a proud Norfolk man and, it is often thought, learned to sail at the town's beaches. Brancaster Hall, by repute, also hosted Nelson during his lifetime. An Empire alabaster light similar to the example presented here was sold at Sotheby's New York, Property from the collection of Mrs Charles Wrightsman: the London residence, 28 April 2010, lot 18 ($18,750).