François Thomas Germain (1726-1791) Pair of Three-Arm Bronze Wall Sconces, circa 1770-1780

François Thomas Germain (1726-1791) Pair of Three-Arm Bronze Wall Sconces, circa 1770-1780

This pair of three-arm wall sconces circa 1770-1780, signed by François Thomas Germain, is a masterpiece of 18th-century French craftsmanship. Crafted in chiseled ormolu, they embody the elegance and technical prowess of the era. Comparable to the sconces kept in The Louvre Museum in the Sully Room (Room 610 - Marie Leszczynska), dated around 1740, under inventory numbers OA6504-1 and OA6504-2, from the bequest of Count Isaac de Camondo.

An historical important, elegant, and decorative pair of sconces, with three arms of light in finely chiseled bronze, featuring preserved mercury gilding. They will bring a touch of historical elegance to any interior and can be adapted for modern use while retaining their original charm.

Our sconces, a true pair, stand out with their three distinct bobeches, each featuring deep and elegant chiseling. One bobeche is shaped like an exploding pomegranate, the second with a leaf scroll, and the third with flowers nestled in foliage. The backplates are shaped like bundles of stems and leaves, supporting the light arms, which also replicate branches bearing buds and flowers. One of the two sconces in this pair is signed by François Thomas Germain, one of the greatest goldsmiths of 18th-century France. To the best of our knowledge, the signature is likely the one used after 1765, following the loss of the title of ordinary goldsmith to the King.

These sconces embody all the technical skills, inventiveness, and modernity that François Thomas Germain was known for. The bobeches are cast in one piece with the arms, emerging from foliage, demonstrating a complex bronze casting technique. This was clearly a technical feat for the time, as it was much easier to cast such objects in smaller pieces. The light arms are made from a single block and subsequently chiseled from the mass.

François Thomas Germain's workshop was one of the most significant of its time, with perhaps more than 150 collaborating craftsmen. He was a pioneer in the design of large workshops of the 19th century. The downside of this giant of the era was that the Master Goldsmith no longer executed the pieces himself. He often merely affixed his stamp. The workshop, towards the end, worked in haste, sometimes resulting in minor quality issues in the chiseling.

A magnificent example of French 18th-century era work, circa 1780, in the classic Rocaille style.

Dimensions: Height 18.89 Inches - Width 14.17 Inches - Depth 7.87 Inches.

In very good condition, with preserved mercury gilding. We note that the sconces were previously drilled for electrification.

Biography:

François-Thomas Germain (1726-1791).

François-Thomas Germain, born in Paris on April 18, 1726, and died in the same city on January 23, 1791, was a renowned French goldsmith. The son of Thomas Germain, known as the "artist with the divine hand," François-Thomas inherited his father's reputation while forging his own, marked by exceptional talent and a tumultuous career.

Education and Early Years:

From a young age, François-Thomas Germain was immersed in the world of goldsmithing, observing the work carried out in his father's workshop at the Louvre. Before handing him the tools, Thomas Germain insisted that his son learn to draw and sent him to the Royal Academy of Painting.

Career and Achievements:

- Royal Sculptor Goldsmith: In 1748, François-Thomas was appointed as the royal sculptor goldsmith, succeeding his father and securing lodging at the Louvre.

- Artistic Legacy: Upon his father's death, he inherited a valuable collection of drawings and models, which he used throughout his career.

- Royal Recognition: In 1751, he was received as an ordinary goldsmith to the king, in association with Jacques Roettiers, thus consolidating his position in the artistic community.

Expansion and Decline:

François-Thomas Germain expanded his workshops to an industrial scale, trading with all of Europe. However, his extravagant spending and luxurious lifestyle led to bankruptcy in 1765. This situation caused him to lose his title as the ordinary goldsmith to the king, but he continued to practice his craft, collaborating with his colleague Dapcher on Rue de la Vannerie.

Legacy:

Despite his financial setbacks, François-Thomas Germain remains a significant figure in 18th-century French goldsmithing. His works testify to his talent and artistic legacy, perpetuating the Germain name in art history.

Ref: YU49W5B9B1