A Pair of Classical Sconces

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Circa 1845
Attributed to Cornelius and Company

In a beautiful two-tone gilt-lacquered finish, this fine pair of five-light sconces is a very rare form and is only the second pair of American sconces I have encountered with full figures. Attributed to Cornelius and Company, the candle and drip cups used are identical to others used on girandoles by that manufacturer. The figure of Athena stands on a plinth with a standard and a cast foliate cup that supports the five candle arms. Athena was the goddess of wisdom, war, and the crafts.

Bronze and brass
Height: 18 ½” Width: 10 ½” Depth: 10 ½”
D1117