Ref. 2256

G. Gagneau

Bronze-Caster & Lighting Manufacturer (19^th Century)

(attributed to)

Pair of wall sconces “with dolphins”

France

Circa 1900

Cristal, Gilded bronze

Height : 41 cm (16,1 in.) ; Width : 18,5 cm (7,3 in.) ; Depth : 16 cm (6,3 in.)

Pair of three-light wall sconces in chased and gilt bronze. Its rich mount in the shape of a mythological dolphin, from which coral-like branches emerge, elegantly accommodates a thick frosted pressed-molded glassware. Shaped like a ribbed corolla reminiscent of a shell or a lotus flower, this bowl softly diffuses the light.

Biography

Gagneau, a famous lighting manufacture, was established in Paris since 1800, and became reknowned because of its improvement to the Carcel oil lamp. The innovation was shown for the first time at the National Industry Products Exhibition in Paris in 1819, and was patented the same year. In the 19th century, the firm moved from the 25, rue d’Enghien to the 115, rue Lafayette and specialized in all lighting material: lamps, chandeliers, wall-lights…, whose quality was famous : Gagneau received Premier Medals at the Crystal Palace Exhibition in London in 1851, and at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1855. Celebrated bronzer and lighting manufacturer, Gagneau was member of the jury for the Artistic Bronzes Class at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1889. The firm provided all lighting for the new French Embassy in Vienna in 1908.