THE ITEM
Presenting a beautifully worked pair of iridised brass Art Nouveau candlesticks.
These pieces have survived in a rare and remarkable condition - it is much more common to encounter the brass in a dull and clouded state. The brass of this pair however, have survived in a condition where they are still showing off their iridised sheen.
The design and form are in the stylised and gently angular symbolistic Art Nouveau style, very similar to the design style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
This pair would have originally been fitted to a piano, hence the name Piano Candlesticks. And as can be seen in Renoirs 'Young Girls at the Piano' painting as well as many of his other Piano scene paintings, they would have been used to illuminate the sheets of music. However, today, you're much more likely to see them as wall fitted.
The arm of each candleholder has a drip plate beneath the sconce to catch melted wax and has a hinged 'Swing Arm' fitting onto the wall bracket, the hinged fitting allows the arm to be 'swung' as required.
These works would be an eye catching addition to a room inspired by Art Nouveau, Art Deco or even Steampunk design.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Art Nouveau is an international style of art, architecture and applied art, especially the decorative arts, that was most popular between 1890 and 1910. It was inspired by natural forms and structures, particularly the curved lines of plants, flowers and insects. Curves, asymmetrical forms, and intense colours were other common motifs of the movement.
Art Nouveau is a total art style and embraces a wide range of fine and decorative arts, including architecture, painting, graphic art, interior design, jewelry, furniture, textiles, ceramics, glass art, and metal work. Artists and designers famous for their Art Nouveau designs are numerous; including the likes Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Louis Tiffany, Gustav Klimt and Alphonse Mucha.
CONDITION
Very good to excellent. There is little age and use wear to the candlesticks, bearing only mild and faint scratches that are commensurable with age - please see photos as part of condition report.
MEASUREMENTS
c. 3.9" / 10 cm tall (wall bracket base to rim) x c. 8.7" / 22 cm in length (bracket to sconce) The brackets bear a 4 hole fixing and more detailed measurements are available on request.
Unpackaged weight (pair): 0.5 kg / 522 g
NOTES
Candlesticks will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.