Showrooms

Two French gilt and patinated bronze sconces

Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Two French gilt and patinated bronze sconces
French, 20th Century
Height 73cm, width 27cm, depth 24cm

These two sconces are designed in the Empire style, which was popularised by the French Emperor, Napoleon I. The Empire style is characterised by its grandeur and use of opulent, classical Roman motifs. In its majesty, the style departed from the more austere and restrained ‘Directoire’ style of Neoclassicism that preceded it.

The sconces take the form of half-length patinated bronze cherubs, who hold gilt bronze candelabra above their heads. The cherubs have been naturalistically cast, with tightly-curled hair, straight-faced expressions and idealised bodies which feature feathery wings. They wear foliate gilt bronze skirts, which terminate in leafy forms. On each candelabrum, four of the branches are cast as cornucopias, with scrolled vine-like flourishes. These branches are topped by foliate drip-pans and simple capitals, which hold candle tubes. The fifth branch of each candelabrum extends directly upwards from the cherub’s head. This conical branch terminates in a capital decorated with palmettes.

More Information

Origin:	France
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	Ormolu, patinated bronze.
Styles / Movements:	Empire
Dealer Reference #:	15704
Incollect Reference #:	465278

Dimensions

W.	10.63 in;	H.	28.74 in;	D.	9.45 in;
W.	27 cm;	H.	73 cm;	D.	24 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.