Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Three Light Dragon Form Wall Sconces

Description

Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Three Light Dragon Form Wall Sconces with Medusa Masks The sconces are cast in gilt bronze and formed with tapering shield shaped backplates supporting three projecting candle arms. Each backplate is ornamented with relief foliate scrollwork and anthemion motifs arranged symmetrically across the surface. At the center of each plate is a circular mount cast with a Medusa mask, shown with flowing hair and serpentine elements surrounding the face. Three curved arms extend outward from the mask mount, terminating in dragon form supports with open mouths, scaled necks, feathered wings, and crescent shaped tails. The dragons are modeled with defined plumage and segmented bodies, supporting fluted drip pans and cylindrical candle nozzles cast with scrolling leaf decoration. The gilt surface retains both matte and burnished passages, with tonal variation visible across the raised ornament and recessed details. These sconces are French Empire period gilt bronze wall lights executed in the neoclassical taste associated with early nineteenth century decorative lighting. The composition combines mythological imagery with architectural symmetry, incorporating Medusa masks and dragon supports derived from antique and fantastical ornament. French Empire bronze workshops specialized in mercury gilded lighting and furnishing mounts characterized by sculptural modeling and sharply defined ornament. Works of this type required separate casting, chasing, and gilding processes before final assembly. The present pair displays substantial bronze casting, defined chasing, and a well preserved gilt surface, reflecting high quality production and strong decorative presence. France, Circa: 1815 Back Plate Height: 10'' Overall Height: 12''

Details

Dimensions