Napoleon III Louis XV Apply Cherub, Ormolú , France, 19th Century

Details

Description

Cherub wall sconce, ormolu, louis xv style, napoleon iii period, late 19th century - france

material: ormolu, crystal
style: louis … Read more Cherub wall sconce, ormolu, louis xv style, napoleon iii period, late 19th century - france

material: ormolu, crystal
style: louis xv, napoleon iii period
period: second half of the 19th century
country of origin: france
good condition considering its age and use
overall dimensions: 70 x 33 x 30 cm

an exceptional five-light ormolu wall sconce in the louis xv style, dating from the napoleon iii period. The central stem features a three-dimensional figure of a cherub or putto draped in flowing fabrics. The entire figure is cast in bronze with mercury gilding and burnished, all of extraordinary quality. The figure descends amidst rich ornamentation of vine leaves and grape clusters, a motif that is reinforced and repeated on the five light arms. The lower base is adorned with scrolls, garlands, and rocaille, culminating sumptuously in a beautiful bow from which a symbolic floral and fruit arrangement unfolds. A hole drilled in the bronze is located at the center of the large bow, allowing for its visual and structural anchoring to the wall. The central cherub figure holds five serpentine and asymmetrical arms of light, whose rich decoration of grapevine clusters reinforces the visual power of its aesthetic.

the nozzles, decorated with acanthus leaves, terminate in circular bobèches (glass saucers) that support light bulbs simulating candles, as it has been appropriately adapted for electrical lighting. An exquisite and highly refined piece, of great artistic quality and significant historical value.

style and period: napoleon iii or second empire

the napoleon iii or second empire style takes its name from the fact that it originated in france during that period. Strictly speaking, the second empire was proclaimed in 1852 and ended in 1870, led by louis napoleon bonaparte as emperor of the french, although in an artistic sense it extended a few years longer (until 1880). This style was very popular among the french bourgeoisie. The emperor himself was involved in the artistic development of the time, although more closely linked to architecture. However, it is empress eugénie who is credited with the evolution of the decorative arts.

although it drew inspiration from past styles, beginning with classical antiquity, the renaissance, and even the louis xvi style, which eugénie greatly admired, the most representative characteristic of the style is its sumptuousness and ostentation, always aspiring to display wealth and opulence.

it is not a style designed specifically for the second empire, but rather a revival of the various great french styles of previous centuries, a kind of compilation of french decorative trends. Special reference is made to the louis xiv, louis xv, baroque, and rococo styles, and gradually to the eclectic louis xvi style. In short, these are the decorative styles that had positioned france at the forefront of interior design and furniture design in europe, both for quality and for originality and beauty.
up to 250v (europe/uk standard).the wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less