Pair Of Louis XVI Gilt Bronze Wall Appliques - Jean-Charles Delafosse

Pair Of Louis XVI Gilt Bronze Wall Appliques — Wall Light Fixtures

A magnificent pair of Louis XVI wall light fixtures, these gilt bronze appliques exemplify the refinement and elegance of eighteenth-century French craftsmanship. With their sumptuous classical detailing and grand proportions, they reflect the neoclassical taste that flourished under Louis XVI’s reign.

Origin: France; attributed to Jean-Charles Delafosse

Date: Circa 1765

Material: Gilt bronze

Dimensions: Height: 57 cm (22.5 in), Width: 40 cm (15.7 in), Depth: 28 cm (11 in)

Condition: Excellent, bearing an exquisite original patina

These wall light fixtures are remarkable examples of French decorative arts at the highest level, attributed to the illustrious designer Jean-Charles Delafosse. Their superb design and opulent execution reference celebrated masterpieces held in royal collections, including similar appliques crafted for the Prince de Condé at Palais Bourbon and ‘à tête de belier’ candelabra supplied to the Palace of Versailles in the 1770s. Such parallels underscore their historical significance and their close association with the celebrated interiors of France’s ancien régime.

Notable Features:

• Exquisite craftsmanship is evident throughout, with each wall light featuring three elaborately decorated branches, suspended with heavy garlands.
• The composition centres on a finely sculpted central bow, with classical motifs and rams’ head details demonstrating the finest Louis XVI ornamentation.
• The grand scale and distinguished provenance render these wall light fixtures exceptionally rare; few pairs of such quality and importance have survived outside major museums.
• Ideal for collectors of neoclassical decorative arts or as a striking addition to formal interiors, these appliques lend sophistication and historical gravitas to any setting.

Bringing together outstanding artistry and a direct line to French royal taste, this pair of gilt bronze wall appliques offers distinction and impact for the discerning interior or focused collection. Their enduring beauty ensures that they remain not only a testament to eighteenth-century elegance, but also a practical and impressive solution for wall lighting within luxurious or period-inspired decors.