Mid 20th Century Rococo Style Italian Wall Sconce in Gilt Brass Sheet and Casting

Details

Description

We kindly invite you to read the full description, as we aim to provide detailed technical and historical information to … Read more We kindly invite you to read the full description, as we aim to provide detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our pieces.
This refined and captivating Italian wall sconce features three lights in the form of faux candles, mounted on an elegant and elaborate structure. The design faithfully follows the Rococo style, with flowing, curvilinear lines and hand-applied foliate decorations crafted from brass sheet, combined with cast elements. These components were carefully assembled and gilded using the traditional “mission gilding” technique. Mission gilding is an age-old process that allows gold leaf to be applied to metal surfaces by first brushing on a high-adhesion glue—called “mission”—before laying the gold leaf. Each artisan had their own secret formula to ensure the gold would adhere and endure over time. The three lights are harmoniously arranged and set into leaf-shaped brass bobeches, allowing the light to diffuse evenly in a warm and pleasant glow. The wiring runs through cavities on the back of the sconce, where a ring is also located at the top for hanging the piece securely on the wall. Entirely handmade in Florence between 1935 and 1940, this sconce is the work of an anonymous yet truly gifted artisan—a Master—who managed, in his small workshop, to create a piece that is unique, precious, and genuinely elegant. True elegance is never ostentatious; it lies in the simplicity of beauty. Florence and its artisanal tradition have ancient roots, dating back to the Middle Ages. Thanks to the guilds and the enlightened Medici rulers, the city and its skilled craftsmen became a global center for art, excellence, and timeless style. The sconce is in good overall condition. The European-wired electrical system is in working order, though we recommend it be checked by a qualified electrician before installation. Dimensions: Width: 30 cm (11.8 in). Height: 55 cm (21.6 in). Depth: 13 cm (5.1 in). We use professional-grade packaging materials for all our shipments (wooden crates, polystyrene, etc.) to ensure maximum protection and safety during transport See less