Set of four three-light wall brackets 1740 - 1754

These wall brackets were made by Charles Cressent, a prominent Parisian ébéniste, sometime before his death in 1768. They are gilded bronze, which was the height of luxury at the time. Cressent’s career coincides with the Regency and Louis XV periods in France, a time of transition in the decorative arts. He was known for his innovative designs, moving away from the heavier, more formal style of Louis XIV. Cressent's work reflects the era's increasing emphasis on comfort and intimacy, seen in the flowing lines and naturalistic motifs of these sconces. The use of bronze suggests a wealthy clientele, likely aristocrats or members of the court. Studying pieces such as these, we can better understand the culture of luxury and display in 18th-century France. Archival documents, like workshop inventories and sales records, can provide invaluable insights into the production and consumption of such objects. Cressent's work represents the shifting tastes and social values of his time.