Set of four Rococo style patinated and gilt bronze sconces

Set of four Rococo style patinated and gilt bronze sconces
French, early 20th Century
Height 48cm, width 22cm, depth 13cm
 
These sconces (wall lights) are wonderful examples of the 18th-Century Louis XV style, which was fashionably revived in the 19th Century. The style was characterised by its rocaille motifs, including C- and S-scrolls, curling acanthus leaves, flower garlands, seashells, and cherubic figures.
 
The sconces are of almost identical design, each fitted with two lights. These take the form of gilt bronze (ormolu) scrolled, acanthus leaf branches, which terminate in leafy candle-holders. In each, the two lights are held by a patinated bronze sculpture of a nude putto. The putti’s lower bodies are enveloped by scrolling gilt bronze foliage. These terminate in flower garlands.
 
One pair of wall lights are designed so that the putti look to the right, and the other pair so the putti gaze to the left. This means that they will look perfect with one (individual item or pair) placed on either side of an object, such as a doorway, wall mirror or console table.