During the reign of Louis XVI (France), much of Europe experienced a renewed interest in classical architecture and art, as a result of the discoveries of Herculaneum (1738) and Pompeii (1748). A beautiful example of the Neoclassical style of Louis XVI is this pair of Italian lyre-form sconces from the 1950s.
The hand-carved giltwood lyres are complete with three metal strings, giving the instruments a sense of realism. An ebonized crinkled ribbon bow with a golden knot above each lyre meanders its way along the frame of the instrument. Similarly, a large, gilded leaf margent beneath the lyre weaves itself around the arms. A scrolled metal arm detailed with foliage emanates from a floret at the base of the lyre. At the top of the arm is a saucer bobeche paired with a cylindrical socket, capable of supporting a candle or (if electrified) a light bulb. Our pair of lyre-form sconces would be amazing wall-mounted light sources flanking a mirror, doorway, or fireplace.
CONDITION: Good condition. Minor losses to gilding and ebonized finish. Light nicks and losses. Very light wear to bobeches and sockets. Not wired.
