Object Description
These two sconces are designed in the Empire style, which was popularised by the French Emperor, Napoleon I. Often described as the second phase of Neoclassicism, the Empire style was characterised by its grandeur and use of opulent, classical Roman motifs. In this way, it departed from the more austere and refined ‘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.