An exceptional pair of grand scale 19th century French gilt bronze wall lights after the Rococo Model by Jean-Claude Duplessis of c.1749.
French - Paris Circa 1880
These outstanding wall lights of wonderful scale and colour with asymmetric scrolling fruiting acanthus leaf arms and corresponding urns, nozzles and pierced collars, issuing from matching slender leafy backplates are made after a model which is datable to 1745-49.
The 18th century model is attributed by Ottomeyer and Pröschel in their landmark work Vergoldete Bronzen Vol. I p. 143 fig. 2.II.17 to the great designer Jean-Claude Duplessis, one of the masters of the French rococo. The pair of wall lights illustrated in the link below are a pair now in the Metropolitan Museum New York, having been donated in 1971 by Mrs Charles Wrightsman, one of the 20th century''s most important collectors.
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/205433
Upon close examination of the images, it is evident that
... our pair of lights, which are similarly grand in scale, closely follow the Duplessis design. The gilding on our lights is excellent, but the chasing (engraving or embossing) is even better, with a superb crisp finishing throughout. The asymmetrical naturalism of the original design is preserved in these lights also, paying great homage to the work of earlier craftsmen, whilst being outstanding works of art in their own right. Being of such fine quality it is almost certain the wall appliqués were made in one of the leading Parisian workshops towards the end of the 19th century. Metalwork produced in Paris at that time was of the finest quality leading to it to be exported worldwide, making it highly probable that these lights were made for a wealthy client with America, France and England being the most likely destinations for the original order.
Jean-Claude Duplessis (1699-1774)
Born in Turin as Giovanni Claudio Ciambellano, Duplessis moved to France along with one of his best early clients in Italy the Prince de Carignan in 1718. When the Prince fled back to Turin, Duplessis was able to practice in the workshops of the galeries du Louvre outside of the requirements of the Parisian guilds which would not have allowed him to work in the city as he was not a French national.
Duplessis enjoyed a truly multi-faceted career, working as a model maker for the Vincennes and later Sèvres porcelain factories from 1748 onwards. In 1758 he was also appointed official goldsmith to the King and is known to have executed models in ormolu (or gilt bronze) as well. Many luxurious pieces of porcelain from the Sèvres factory were given ormolu mounts in the manufactory there and the factory books reveal that Duplessis was the man who designed many of these masterpieces.
These wall lights are of outstanding quality, extremely heavy bronze casting and wonderfully decorative measuring over 3 feet in height. A fascinating fusion of 18th century design and 19th century workmanship at it’s best. They have expertly cleaned and re-wired ready for use.
Dimensions
Width 23 inches - 58.5cm
Height 39 inches - 99cm
Depth 9inches - 23cm
Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London.
Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.
As proud members of BADA & LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.
Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.
All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.
We deliver within the UK for usually between £60-£80 and ship worldwide with professional bespoke crating via air to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.
Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.
GOODS
All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.
Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.
VIEWINGS
We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.
We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.
Please contact us for location and appointments.
Telephone: 01438 869 819
Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.
If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment
We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.Internal Reference: 2998
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1179754
Dateline of this antique is 1880
Height is 99cm (39.0inches)Width is 58.5cm (23.0inches)Depth is 23cm (9.1inches)
Your credit card is processed securely by Stripe Inc. 
Thank you.
Your comment has been sent to Sellingantiques.