• Width:
  30 Inches
• Height:
  54 Inches
• Period:
  19th Century
• Origin:
  Other

This incredible hanging lantern, which once illuminated the streets of Cuba, is crafted of solid bronze and covered in a subtle, natural patina. Hexagonal in shape with six glass panels, it is truly an arresting, beautiful object to behold, strikingly decorated in turn of the century Cuban motifs with winged women, scrollwork, twist design, and acanthus leaves. Its imposing size is ideal for a large veranda or entrance. Lanterns like this one were once fixtures in front of Cuban governmental buildings such as the Presidential Palace. In the years after Cuba won its independence, this lantern was one of many converted to a hanging electrified lantern and sold to feed the country's poor. To find one in such excellent condition is truly rare. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a truly unique, momentous piece of history.

Circa 1860

54" high x 30" wide
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It is believed that the soul of the Cuban nation was forged during the 19th century. Originally settled by Arawak Indians, and claimed for Spain by Christopher Columbus, Cuba remained a Spanish colony for the next four centuries, except for a brief period of British occupation in the 18th century. Cubans eventually won their independence after a series of three wars: La Guerra de los Diez Años, (the Ten Years' War, 1868-1878), La Guerra Chiquita (the Small War, 1879-1880), and the War of '95. Under the leadership of revolutionaries like writer and journalist José Martí, and thanks to the increasing animosity between Spain and the United States, which resulted in the Spanish-American War and Spain's eventual withdrawal from Cuba, the island attained its independence in 1902 after four years of U.S. occupation.