Charles Rohlfs

Private Collection, Buffalo, NY, ca. 1905
Thence by descent

Leslie Greene Bowman, American Arts & Crafts:  Virtue in Design, Los Angeles, 1990, p. 63 (for the model in the collection of LACMA)
David Cathers, Stickley Style:  Arts and Crafts Homes in the Craftsman Tradition, New York, 1999, p. 172
Joseph Cunningham, The Artistic Furniture of Charles Rohlfs, New Haven, CT, 2008, pp. 210 and 256 (respectively for the model in the collection of LACMA and illustrated in Rohlfs' advertising card)

Overall in very good condition. All of the accompanying components (candle snuffer, candle drip plate, adjustable bobeche, pin, and chain) are intact and appear to be original to the sconce. The oak surfaces appear to retain their original finish, with some light surface scratches, abrasions, and a few small edge losses consistent with age and gentle use. The hand-wrought copper elements are all in very good condition, showing minimal wear, some occasional light surface scratches, and minor rubbing to the patina consistent with age and gentle use. The copper back plate with some light surface scratches, surface soiling and minor discoloration; all of the faceted wrought-iron rivets on the copper back plate appear to be original and undisturbed. With a replaced oak plug (which is attached to a threaded screw) for the top aperture hole of the copper back plate. A spectacular display piece with great sculptural presence in remarkably intact original condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

As early as 1900, Rohlfs had sought to reach out to a broader market, principally through the development of decorative, useful, and affordable items like candlesticks... Notable are the range of wall-mounted oddities Rohlfs offered, including the Cathedral Sconce, two extant models of which date from 1905.  This complex, elegant wall-mounted design features an inventively shaped back plate, exquisite candleholder, and adjustable drip pan.  As Leslie Bowman has pointed out, "The repetition of square rivets on the copper face-plate relates to Vienna secessionist design, an unusual reference in Rohlfs's work."  She notes that Rohlfs "may have been introduced to Viennese design at the nearby Roycroft community."  This wall-mounted version calls to mind not only Viennese design but, again, also Japanese and Chinese design traditions.

Joseph Cunningham, The Artistic Furniture of Charles Rohlfs, New Haven, CT, 2008, pp. 210 and 213