Pair of Empire Style Sconces with Two Light Arms in Gilt and Patinated Bronze Depicting a Winged Cupid. French Work Circa 1940

Each sconce features a gilt bronze backplate surmounted by a large chased palmette and confronted scrolls on a gadrooned rosette. From it springs a sheath of gilt leaves from which emerges a winged cupid in brown patinated bronze, arms outstretched, carrying two light arms ending in gadrooned floral-bud bobèches and faux candles. The contrast of the patinated bronze and the gilt bronze is characteristic of the Empire taste.

This motif of the winged cupid bearing lights derives directly from the repertoire of the First Empire and its great bronze-casters, whose 19th-century ateliers perpetuated the models with a great quality of chasing and gilding.

Condition report: Good general condition. Gilding and brown patina well preserved, crisp chasing; faux candles possibly to be refreshed. Wiring to be checked before use. A pair of great character, to flank a mirror, an overmantel or a bookcase.