Pair of ornamental wall sconces. France, second half of the 19th century

Pair of ornamental wall sconces. France, second half of the 19th century.
Patinated bronze.
In good condition, with a patina consistent with its age.
Measurements: 19 x 23 x 7 cm (each).

Pair of decorative French wall sconces made of patinated bronze, characterized by their elaborate, historicist-inspired ornamental design. Each piece features a composition of fantastical sea creatures, reminiscent of Renaissance-style dolphins, with sinuous, scale-covered bodies, large open mouths, and fins rendered in a plant-like style. The figures are intertwined with scrollwork and aquatic motifs, forming a composition of striking dynamism and artistic richness.

The detailed casting work is particularly evident in the scales, the expressive heads, and the small ornamental motifs, enhanced by the bronze’s warm brown patina. Their design reflects the eclectic taste of French decorative arts in the second half of the 19th century, when motifs from the Renaissance and Baroque periods were revived for the ornamentation of interiors and high-quality furniture.