Set of four Baroque style ormolu wall lights by Henri Picard

Crafted by Henri Picard, a leading bronzier and sculptor of works in ormolu during the nineteenth century, this set consists of four ormolu, or gilt-bronze, wall lights, each of which has its own series of four further wall light branches.

Picard, who often collaborated with the Sèvres porcelain manufactory, is known for the exceptional quality of his gilding as demonstrated by pieces such as these. HeThe style of these works, which predominantly Baroque, shares affinities with other movements and periods, as is typical of work in the time of Napoleon III and after, when French makers crafted works that incorporated influences from multiple regal styles and eras.

These beautiful works have a certain Neoclassical order and refinement to them. The tapering rectangular body, for example, contrasts with the more indulgent and luxurious Baroque style branches and capitals, giving them a rare harmony and intrique, extolled beautifully in radiant gilt-bronze.