Pair of two-light wall brackets

Unknown

ca. 1750 · Gilt bronze · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Gilt bronze was extensively used for different types of lighting ranging from standing candlesticks and candelabra to hanging chandeliers and lanterns. Wall lights, bras de lumière in French, were often placed on either side of mirrors to reflect the candlelight. The chasing and gilding of this pair is exceptionally fine. Sprays of roses, lilacs and anemones decorate the branches while the central stem consists of a cluster of poppies, a symbol of sleep, indicating that the pair may have been intended for a bedchamber.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1750

Medium

Gilt bronze

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

The Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection, Bequest of Emma A. Sheafer, 1973