Circa 1900 Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Flush Mount With Etched Glass

Details

Description

Louis XVI's designs are characterized by a combination of elegance and neoclassicism. Many items during this period feature ancient Greek … Read more Louis XVI's designs are characterized by a combination of elegance and neoclassicism. Many items during this period feature ancient Greek motifs, gilt bronze, and sun ornaments. These pieces are particularly stunning and detailed since most of them were created for Queen Marie Antoinette and her new apartments in palaces like Versaille and Fontainebleau. This particular flush mount is magnificent and looks like it belongs in a royal room. The body has been nicely molded from gilt bronze, giving it a gold appearance. What makes it unique is that the shape isn’t a perfect circle like most flush mounts. Instead, the pan is cast in a wave-like design, making the silhouette appear almost gem-like. Decorating the rim are excellently crafted Zeus-like face ornaments. Zeus was the God of the sky and a chief Greek deity. He is described as an older man with a beard. King Louis XVI and his predecessors had a fascination with the Greek Gods, oftentimes comparing their own rule to those of the Gods. Six scrolling acanthus leaves connect the pan to the base of the fixture. Acanthus leaves were a common plant in Greek design. They represented immortality and resurrection and were used decoratively in many French designs. Secured behind the acanthus leaves is a large frosted inverted bell glass shade. Expertly etched on the surface are symbols of shining suns. The sun was another motif of the French royal line, it signified a star that gave life to all things. To match the shade, the finial is also frosted glass with an etched bursting sun on the bottom. Overall this is a beautiful and rare fixture that embodies the sophistication of French royalty. Every detail, from the intricately designed borders to the overall craftsmanship has been tastefully contemplated. It would look breathtaking in an entryway, a bedroom, or even a formal dining room.

H= 14 in. W= 24.5 in. D= 24.5 in. 50 lbs. See less