Monumental mirror sconce (one of a pair)
Johann Jakob II Priester|Peter Rahm|Paul Solanier
1717–18 · Silver, embossed, chiseled, engraved and gilded; mirror glass (19th century replacement); wood frame · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Once part of Augustus the Strong’s substantial silver-gilt furniture ensemble at Dresden Palace, these monumental reflective wall-lights embodied the power, wealth, and magnificence of their patron, who was Elector of Saxony and King of Poland. During his grand tour of Europe, in 1687, Augustus visited Versailles, where he admired the already-legendary silver furniture of the Sun King shortly before Louis XIV had it melted down. After ascending the throne in 1694, Augustus emulated the French monarch’s solar symbolism, including, as here, the powerful and energetic design referencing the sun god Apollo. This allusion would have been especially pronounced when the sconces were in use because the mirrors intensified the flickering golden light of the candle flames.
- Artist
- Johann Jakob II Priester|Peter Rahm|Paul Solanier
- Date
- 1717–18
- Medium
- Silver, embossed, chiseled, engraved and gilded; mirror glass (19th century replacement); wood frame
- Culture
- German, Augsburg
- Department
- European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
- Credit line
- Purchase, Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Acquisitions Fund, in memory of Anna-Maria Kellen, and in celebration of the Museum’s 150th Anniversary, 2018
