A Pair of Gilt Bronze Two-Branch Figural Wall Lights, circa 1745

A fine and rare pair of gilt bronze two-branch figural wall lights (appliques à deux bras de lumière), Paris, circa 1745, in the Régence manner after designs by Gilles-Marie Oppenordt (1672–1742).

Paris, circa 1745

Each wall light is formed as a tapering foliate backplate terminating in an acanthus finial, centred by a putto figure in high relief holding aloft the asymmetric two-branch structure. The scrolling branches, richly cast with acanthus leaves and flowering tendrils, terminate in circular drip-pans of exceptional quality, each chased with a dense hexagonal rosette ground beneath a beaded rim and a shell-form (coquille) nozzle with finely gadrooned support. The two figures are mirror images of one another (en regard), confirming that the pair was conceived and cast together from the outset. The gilding has been refreshed. Hollow-cast, with original differential patination visible on the interior of the backplate.

Height: 68 cm. A pair.

Design source and comparable examples:
The design derives from an engraving by Gilles-Marie Oppenordt, published by Gabriel Hucquier in the Livre de différentes décorations d'appartements par G. M. Oppenord architecte, Paris, circa 1730. A closely related wall light in the same manner, from Schloss Fasanerie, Fulda, is illustrated in Hans Ottomeyer & Peter Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Die Bronzearbeiten des Spätbarock und Klassizismus, Klinkhardt & Biermann, Munich, 1986, vol. I, cat. 1.9.20–1.9.21. Further variants of the model are preserved in the Cooper-Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, New York (inv. 1921-6-216-74), and in the Rothschild Collection at Waddesdon Manor (cf. Geoffrey de Bellaigue, The James A. de Rothschild Collection at Waddesdon Manor, 1974, vol. II, pp. 790–791, no. 216).
A closely comparable pair of wall lights of the same design lineage and period, also citing Ottomeyer/Pröschel fig. 1.9.20, was offered at Sotheby's Paris, Style, Mobilier et Objets d'Art, November 2020. Pairs of 19th-century versions after the same Oppenordt design have been offered at Koller Zurich with estimates of CHF 12,000–18,000; original 18th-century examples with strong scholarly credentials have realised €50,000–78,750 at Osenat Versailles (Grands Siècles sales).

Condition: Very good. Gilding refreshed. No structural losses or repairs observed. Original casting quality throughout.