Pair of gilt bronze wall lights with acanthus leaves, France Circa 1870

This elegant pair of Louis XV-style chased and gilt-bronze wall lights features a scrolling, undulating backplate, worked in bold relief, its silhouette following a vigorous scroll of foliage. The remarkably dynamic composition is centred around a broad, veined leaf that forms its principal axis.

Two candle arms, arranged at different heights in the asymmetrical balance characteristic of the Rocaille taste, emerge from the foliage. They curl into graceful volutes before supporting circular drip pans with beaded rims and foliate candle cups. The whole is enriched with an abundant decoration of pierced foliage and cascading clusters of flowers, the vigorous modelling accentuating the interplay of light and shadow.

The quality of the chasing faithfully renders the veins, ruffled edges and counter-curves characteristic of the great Parisian Rocaille bronzes of the mid-18th century. The warm, luminous gilding enhances the richness and sculptural quality of the decoration.