French Empire Ormolu Wall Sconces, 1820s, Set of 2

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Pair of french empire ormolu wall sconces, circa 1810–1820

dimensions: h x w x d: each circa: 20 x 10 … Read more Pair of french empire ormolu wall sconces, circa 1810–1820

dimensions: h x w x d: each circa: 20 x 10 x 14 cm

this exceptional pair of french empire wall sconces was created circa 1810–1820 and is crafted from fire-gilded bronze (ormolu). The sconces are designed as finely sculpted winged sphinxes, one of the most characteristic motifs of the french empire style. Above the finely chased heads, wearing egyptian-inspired nemes headdresses, rise richly decorated candle nozzles with broad drip pans. The powerfully modeled wings and ornamentally carved wall mounts give the sconces a striking three-dimensional presence.

the quality of the craftsmanship is evident in the finely chased surfaces, the carefully detailed feathers, and the well-preserved original fire gilding. The original threaded mounting rings on the reverse are still present.

the empire style developed in france during the reign of napoleon i (1804–1815) and became the official decorative style of the french empire. Its design vocabulary drew consciously upon the art of ancient greece and rome, while also incorporating motifs from ancient egypt. Egyptian-inspired forms became particularly fashionable following napoleon's egyptian campaign of 1798–1801, profoundly influencing architecture, furniture, and gilt-bronze work.

the sphinx became one of the defining decorative motifs of the empire period. Symbolizing wisdom, power, and permanence, it appeared on a wide variety of prestigious decorative objects, including consoles, mantel clocks, furniture mounts, and wall sconces. French bronze workshops of the empire period produced gilt-bronze objects of exceptional artistic and technical quality, and their fire-gilding techniques are regarded as among the finest achievements of european bronze craftsmanship.
up to 250v (europe/uk standard).the wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less