Sconce 1868 - 1870

This Sconce was made by Mitchell, Vance & Company, a New York firm renowned for its lighting fixtures. The combination of glass and metalwork speaks to a particular moment in design history. The etched glass shades, softly diffusing light, are held by an elaborate brass armature. Take a close look at the metal. Notice the level of detail achieved through casting, chasing, and patination. This wasn’t just mass production; there was hand-work involved. In the 19th century, firms like Mitchell, Vance & Co. bridged the gap between craft production and industrial manufacturing. They employed skilled artisans, often European immigrants, to execute designs that were both artistic and commercially viable. This sconce shows the ambition of the rising American middle class, who sought to emulate the luxury of the European aristocracy but on an industrial scale. Lighting like this was not just functional; it was a signifier of status, made possible by new modes of production.