Sconces Pair Gold and Mirrored Antique

Candlelight Beauties

'There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.' - Edith Wharton

Having lived in Hamburg the last 20 years I have learnt a word or three. And when I saw there mirrors I just thought, 'Herrlich'! Meaning, superb, marvelous or delightful. And that is exactly what these beautiful antique gold sconce pair are. Simply delightful, and a Rococo highlight on any wall, with or without candles.

 
Details:
Material: Wood, Gild, Bronze
Style: Rococo
Size: Circ. 23cm x 3cm x H51cm
Electric additions available

Ps. Did you know Rococo, from the French rocaille (meaning “rock and shell garden ornamentation”), was an eighteenth century movement in art that began in France. In 1699, the French king, Louis XIV, called for more youthful art to be produced by the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture and other artists commissioned for works in Versailles. Louis XIV was the powerful empire-builder called the Sun King, and he ruled for more than seven decades. Upon his death in 1715, French rule passed to his great-grandson, Louis XV, at age five.

At the Academy, the Rococo movement began as an artistic controversy on the importance of drawing versus the importance of color. The Poussinistes (named after Nicolas Poussin) believed that drawing was more important, and the Rubenistes (named after Peter Paul Rubens) maintained that color was more important than drawing. The new Rococo style included works of art reflecting this controversy. With bright colors, exquisite detail, and ornamentation, it is easy to see how Rococo art appealed to the wealthy and powerful of France.

Like many other forms of art, Rococo played out in different ways in other parts of Europe, including Germany and Italy. In France, the salons of hotels and private homes featured Rococo painting and interior work for the upper class taste, including gilt and mirrors. In Germany, the Rococo style survives in beautiful church architecture and dome paintings, including the beautiful pilgrimage church, The Weiskirche, in Bavaria.

In Italy, the Rococo style is best captured in ornate, heavy furniture. Each piece acquired by a wealthy Italian would cost a handsome sum. Rococo appealed to the upper class as far away as Russia where Empress Elizabeth had the Catherine Palace completely torn down and renovated in the Rococo fashion.

Important Information:
If this item is reserved or unavailable we are entitled
to withdraw from the contract and you will receive an
immediate refund.