Pair of Dutch Louis XVI wooden appliques

A pair of particularly elegant Dutch linden sconces in the shape of burning torches with two curling arms. The base of each sconce takes the shape of a fluted torch that narrows towards the bottom, where the tip is decorated with foliate patterns and a finial. Midway through, the fluting is embellished with a floral garland, above which are curling acanthus leaves, much as one finds on Corinthian columns. At the top of the torch is a large, flickering flame; to either side of the torch are the elegantly curling arms in the shape of twisting leaves, each terminating in a wide, floral knop atop which is the richly decorated candleholder.

The model of these sconces is based on a design by Jean-Louis Prieur (1732-1795). One of the leading exponents of the Neoclassicist style, Prieur worked as a sculptor, bronze caster, ciseleur, designer and engraver. He trained at the Académie de Saint-Luc in Paris in 1765. In the following year, he worked on the interior of the Royal Palace in Warsaw, together with Victor-Louis and Philippe Caffiéri. He also collaborated with Victor-Louis Caffiéri on the refurbishment of the choir of Chartres Cathedral. In 1769, he was admitted to the guild as maître fondeur-ciseleur (master caster-engraver). His heyday was the 1770s, a period in which he among others designed a clock for the wedding of the Dauphin and Marie-Antoinette. He also provided bronze ornaments for the coach built for Louis XVI’s coronation.