Large Louis XVI Three-Light Candle Sconces with Rams' Heads, 19th Century, Set of 2

Description

Magnificent pair of three-light louis xvi style wall appliques made of fire-gilded bronze in the manner of pierre gouthière (1732-1813), … more Magnificent pair of three-light louis xvi style wall appliques made of fire-gilded bronze in the manner of pierre gouthière (1732-1813), manufactured, in france/paris, ca. 1860: filigree back plate in the shape of an ivy-wreathed shepherd's crook with crowning pine cone and openwork, moving bow, so-called fontange bow. The lower part of each appliqué is decorated with a distinctively finely chased bucranion head supporting the three candelabrum arms. The chandelier arms form a slight s-curve and are each accompanied by a volute with an eagle's head and an acanthus leaf volute. The lower end of the appliques is formed by heart-shaped acanthus leaf vignettes with berry branches springing up towards the bottom. The pair of wall appliques comes without electrification, but can be re-electrified without problems as it is equipped with appropriate cable holes (see photo). This excellently chased and fire-gilded pair of louis xvi wall appliques has stylistic features inspired by works of one of the most famous french bronziers of the 18th century, pierre gouthière (1732-1813). Thus, gouthière often used the motifs of naturalistically elaborated bucrania and eagle heads for the decoration of chandeliers, candelabra and wall appliques. Loop-decorated shepherd's crooks as center columns for candelabras and wall appliques also characterize gouthière's works. Cf.: charlotte vignon/christian baulez: pierre gouthière ciseleur-doreur du roi, the frick collection/new york, 2016, p. 219, no. 21 ottomeyer/pröschel: vergoldete bronzen, 2 bde, vol. I, p. 164, fig. 4.9.2 condition: very good, min. Signs of age and use
up to 250v (europe/uk standard).the wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. less