A pair of French 19th century Louis XVI st. enameled bronze and ormolu sconces after a model by Gouthière

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A striking and very unique pair of French 19th century Louis XVI st. enameled bronze and ormolu sconces after a model by Gouthière. Each two arm sconce is centered by a beautiful bottom acorn finial with acanthus leaves below the... — Read More

Shades shown for display purposes, sold separately.

Item # 12006
H: 30.5 in L: 12.5 in D: 6.75 in
H: 77 cm L: 32 cm D: 17 cm
France
19th Century
Enameled Bronze, Ormolu
Louis XVI st. Read More

(Louis XVI st.) - Also known as Louis Seize, Louis XVI's style is a style of architecture, furniture, decoration, and art created during Louis XVI’s 19-year reign in France, just before the French Revolution. Thought to be a reaction and juxtaposition to the prior more elaborate styles, Louis XVI style developed at the end of the Baroque Period and continued until the birth of French Neoclassicism. King Louis XVI showed little enthusiasm for the old world styles of the Baroque Period and he sought out a create a new “beau ideal” that focused on the purity and grandeur of Ancient Romans and Greeks. Inspired by Ancient Roman architecture and art, distinct features of the Louis XVI style are linear lines, small repeated motifs, floral medallions hanging from ribbons, acanthus leaves, urns, dolphins, ram, and lion heads, and griffins. Greco-Roman elements, often used in earlier and later French styles, were also quick common and included fluted and twisted columns, Caryathids, and corbels.

Pierre Gouthière Read More

Pierre Gouthière (1732-1814) - born Bar-sur-Aube, was known as the best metal worker and gilder of his time and was unsurpassed by any of his rivals. He was the student of François Ceriset and took over his workshop in 1758. Under the protection of the duke d’Aumont, he produced works for King Louis XVI and Princess Marie Antoinette becoming the sole gilder for the “Menus-Plaisirs du Roi” as well as producing work for the duchess of Mazarin and Madame du Barry. He was the inventor of the matte gilding which became known as the beautiful satin and burnished finish noticed on high quality pieces and also trained the acclaimed master bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire in his studio. Unfortunately most of his work was lost or destroyed but some of his finest and most representative creations can still be admired in the Wallace Collection.

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