Set of four large Régence style ormolu wall lights

The beautiful wall lights in this set of four are wrought from ormolu (gilt bronze) and designed in the transitional Régence style—that long moment between the heavy style prominent during the reign of Louis XIV and the lighter, more playful Rococo of the period of Louis XV.

Each light is formed from an elongated, ornately shaped, and pierced cartouche-form back plate, which is adorned with a large grotesque mask, extensive strapwork, and multitudes of foliate decoration. The backplate is surmounted by a large shell crest and affixed at the bottom with a foliate pendant finial.

The backplate of each light issues four undulating, scrolling arms elaborately cast with bell husks. Each arm is surmounted by a knopped and bulbous acanthus-leaf form candle nozzle, below which sits a conforming foliate drip pan.

The entire decorative scheme of the set is richly detailed and ornate, with elements of the grandeur of Louis XIV style decorate art intermingling with the Rococo, the style that would come to fruition not long after the end of the Régence period.