Object Description
Gilt and patinated bronze Empire-style wall lights
French, Early 20th Century
Height 35cm, width 36cm, depth 20cm
This pair of wall lights or sconces are modelled in the opulent French Empire style. Each takes the form of two-light gilt bronze candelabra, bound together, and held aloft by an Empire-style arm back, also in gilt bronze. In turn, the arm back is held in a horizontal position by the strong bite of a carefully detailed lion’s head in patinated bronze, which rests solidly on the backplate.
The candelabra feature pinecone-shaped finials at the bottom adorned with quaint foliage motifs, merging architectonically into a short stem. At the apex Empire-style wax pans are supported by capitals carved in the Neoclassical Egyptian style, all meticulously crafted in gilt bronze.
The backplate is also all in gilt bronze and consists of an escutcheon-shaped plate featuring ionic order volutes and a small flower motif and is topped by a large upright leave design.
These sconces elevate any space with an interesting blend of styles that come together to create an elegant and powerful piece.