Giocondo Albertolli
Wall Lights
Attributed to Giocondo Albertolli (1742-1839)
Milan, Late 18th Century
Height: 72cm Width: 45cm Depth: 37cm
These elegant gilt-metal wall sconces are attributed to the Milanese architect, designer and ornamentist Giocondo Albertolli, one of the leading figures of Italian Neo-classicism. Their design closely relates to the engraved ornament published in Albertolli's celebrated pattern books, particularly Ornamenti Diversi (Milan, 1782), which played a central role in disseminating the new classical taste throughout Lombardy and Northern Italy.
The sconces display many of the motifs associated with Albertolli's ornamental vocabulary, including scrolling acanthus brances, finely fluted candle sockets and radiating drip pans. Their unusually tall proportions and boldly projecting arms give them a distinctly sculptural character, creating a sense of movement and depth rarely encountered in wall lights of the period. The open voluted arms, enriched with naturalistic foliage, closely resemble a number of Albertolli's published designs for girandoles and wall lights.
Born in Bedano, near Lugano, Albertolli settled in Milan in 1774 at the invitation of the architect Giuseppe Piermarini. As Professor of Ornament at the Brera Academy he exerted a profound influence on the decorative arts of Northern Italy, providing designs for architecture, furniture, metalwork and interior decoration. His published engravings became an important source for craftsmen working in the Neoclassical style throughout the late eighteenth century.
The present sconces are attributed to Giocondo Albertolli and were almost certainly produced by craftsmen working within the circle of artists and decorators associated with him in late eighteenth century Milan. Their refined design and high quality of execution reflect the sophisticated decorative arts tradition that flourished in Lombardy during the Neoclassical period.
Height: 72cm Width: 45cm Depth: 37cm
Attributed to Giocondo Albertolli (1742-1839)
Milan, Late 18th Century
Height: 72cm Width: 45cm Depth: 37cm
These elegant gilt-metal wall sconces are attributed to the Milanese architect, designer and ornamentist Giocondo Albertolli, one of the leading figures of Italian Neo-classicism. Their design closely relates to the engraved ornament published in Albertolli's celebrated pattern books, particularly Ornamenti Diversi (Milan, 1782), which played a central role in disseminating the new classical taste throughout Lombardy and Northern Italy.
The sconces display many of the motifs associated with Albertolli's ornamental vocabulary, including scrolling acanthus brances, finely fluted candle sockets and radiating drip pans. Their unusually tall proportions and boldly projecting arms give them a distinctly sculptural character, creating a sense of movement and depth rarely encountered in wall lights of the period. The open voluted arms, enriched with naturalistic foliage, closely resemble a number of Albertolli's published designs for girandoles and wall lights.
Born in Bedano, near Lugano, Albertolli settled in Milan in 1774 at the invitation of the architect Giuseppe Piermarini. As Professor of Ornament at the Brera Academy he exerted a profound influence on the decorative arts of Northern Italy, providing designs for architecture, furniture, metalwork and interior decoration. His published engravings became an important source for craftsmen working in the Neoclassical style throughout the late eighteenth century.
The present sconces are attributed to Giocondo Albertolli and were almost certainly produced by craftsmen working within the circle of artists and decorators associated with him in late eighteenth century Milan. Their refined design and high quality of execution reflect the sophisticated decorative arts tradition that flourished in Lombardy during the Neoclassical period.
Height: 72cm Width: 45cm Depth: 37cm