A pair of George II gilt-bronze two-branch wall lights, mid 18th century

the back plate with finely cast volutes, scrolls and foliage, issuing entwined two branches, with leaf shaped cast drip pans and nozzles

These rare wall lights are in very good condition and ready to be placed.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

These boldly cast and finely chased gilt-bronze wall-lights embody the George II taste for the Rococo, which rose to prominence across Europe in the mid-18^th century.  Championed by designers such as Thomas Chippendale (1718–1779) and Thomas Johnson (1714–1778), they are rare examples of English metalwork in the Louis XV manner, with their asymmetrical form and naturally rendered foliate and shell motifs. A related example, with similar dragon headed branches to the present lot, is illustrated in M. Jourdain and F. Rose, English Furniture, The Georgian Period 1750-1830, London, 1953, p. 171, fig. 141.