Wall light (bras de lumière) (one of a pair)

Robert Joseph Auguste

ca. 1775 · Gilded bronze · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The female figures evolving from acanthus leaves which form the stem of these wall brackets are so-called grotesque figures inspired by the fanciful wall decoration found in Roman houses. Reintroduced during the Renaissance, the grotesque quickly became fashionable throughout Europe.

Artist

Robert Joseph Auguste

Date

ca. 1775

Medium

Gilded bronze

Culture

French, Paris

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Bequest of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2019