Wall light (bras de lumière) (one of a pair) 1770 - 1780

This is a gilded bronze wall light, or "bras de lumière," crafted by Robert Joseph Auguste, a leading Parisian silversmith, most likely in the late 18th century. During this period, such decorative arts reflected the opulence and aristocratic tastes of pre-revolutionary France. Wall lights like these were not merely functional; they were potent symbols of wealth and status. The figure supporting the lights is a study in classical idealism, embodying a particular vision of femininity—a vision of beauty and grace that was almost exclusively reserved for the upper echelons of society. Consider the emotional resonance of such an object within its original context—the soft glow of candlelight illuminating elaborate interiors, reinforcing a carefully constructed world of privilege. While the artwork itself appears static, it provokes questions about the nature of beauty, power, and representation across time. The piece reminds us to think about the hands that made it and the spaces it once occupied.