19th Century, Four Italian Carved Giltwood Sconces

19th century, Four Italian Carved Giltwood Louis XV style Sconces
Measurements: cm H 60 x W 37 x D 22 maximum (only mirror D 6 cm)

The four delightful sconces with mirror and lamp holder, made in the 19th century in Louis XV style in Turin (Italy), have a wooden frame finely carved with foliated motifs characteristic of the Louis XV style. They have a rich top fan that lightens them and makes them graceful balancing the richness of the rocaille ornament.

The wood has a gilding silver leaf finish. The mecca process is a type of gilding performed on silver leaf to assume the appearance and the preciousness of the gold leaf. Mecca is a paint from the ancient recipe that was jealously guarded in the shops. It involves the use of “sandracca” and gutta rubber in alcohol, dragon blood and other ingredients that, in mixture with each other, contribute to the different chromatic elements of the mecca.

This type of small mirrors sconces served as a wall light to support candles to illuminate the corridors or living rooms of prestigious residences. The reflective surface of the mirror allowed a pleasant and functional diffusion of the light of the lights. In the lower portion of the frame is in fact placed a metal arm with lumens and floral “bobeche” on which applied the holder.
These fans are very decorative and suitable in ancient environments, as well as of great relevance and elegance combined with modern furniture.
In one arm we point out the lack of a leaf element