Pair Of Louis XVI Wall Lights, After The Model By Pierre Gouthière Kept At The Louvre, 19th Century.

Pair of Louis XVI wall sconces, after the model by Pierre Gouthière in the Louvre, 19th century. An important and interesting pair of three-light gilt bronze wall sconces, made in the 19th century, after an emblematic model from the late Louis XVI period, attributed to Pierre Gouthière and held at the Louvre Museum under inventory numbers OA 5255 1 and OA 5255 2. This model is among the most prestigious creations of Parisian production around 1780 and perfectly illustrates the Louis XVI neoclassical aesthetic, characterized by a rigorously symmetrical composition, an architectural approach, and a skillful use of classical iconography. The central stem of each sconce is formed by a caduceus, composed of a bundle of fluted rods around which are entwined two serpents, rendered with great fine chasing. Inherited from Antiquity, the caduceus is a symbol of wisdom, balance, and harmony, highly prized in the decorative vocabulary of the late 18th century. At mid-height, the caduceus is embellished with pairs of outstretched, finely veined wings, directly derived from the ancient iconography associated with the caduceus of Hermes. These wings, perfectly integrated into the composition, accentuate the verticality of the shaft and lend a sense of lightness and movement, while reinforcing the symbolic coherence of the whole. The upper section is surmounted by a large knotted ribbon bow, its soft, generously unfurled ends, an emblematic motif of the Louis XVI style. This ribbon, suspending the central shaft, marks the transition between the different decorative registers and underscores the symmetrical rigor characteristic of Neoclassical taste. The three candelabra arms are formed of twisted cornucopias, an ancient symbol of prosperity, wealth, and fertility, widely used in the decorative arts of the period. They terminate in richly ornamented candle holders decorated with clusters of flowers, fruit, and foliage, executed with remarkable precision in casting and chasing. The abundance of vegetal decoration—bunches of fruit, veined leaves, pine cones—contributes to the overall visual richness while maintaining perfect legibility. The decoration is completed by laurel branches, a symbol of victory and perpetuity, frequently associated with the official and decorative iconography of the late reign of Louis XVI. The original 18th-century model is thoroughly documented: early sources and photographs attest that these wall sconces were still in place during the Second Empire, in the Emperor's dressing room at the Château de Saint-Cloud, testifying to the enduring prestige and success of this design in high-ranking official settings. In the 19th century, amidst a rediscovery and reinterpretation of the great 18th-century designs, leading Parisian bronze casters reissued the most luxurious creations of the Louis XVI style. This model is among those reproduced by leading firms such as Beurdeley and Delatour-Lacarrière, specialists in high-quality bronze furniture and lighting fixtures. Thanks to the quality of the casting and the clarity and depth of the chasing, our pair fits perfectly within this tradition of prestigious 19th-century reissues. It can reasonably be compared to the productions of the Beurdeley firm, without formal attribution, but with solid stylistic and technical arguments. The wall sconces are in very good condition. The gilding displays a beautiful, warm, and luminous antique patina. The wiring has been completely redone, with professional installation by Mathieu Lustrerie, guaranteeing safety and compliance for contemporary use, while respecting the aesthetic of the light fixtures. Dimensions: Height: 55 cm Width: 29 cm Depth: 18 cm