Monumental mirror sconce (one of a pair)
Peter Rahm German
Paul Solanier German
Johann Jakob II Priester German
Once part of Augustus the Strong’s substantial silver-gilt furniture ensemble at Dresden Palace, these monumental reflective wall-lights embodied the power, wealth, and magnificence of their patron, who was Elector of Saxony and King of Poland. During his grand tour of Europe, in 1687, Augustus visited Versailles, where he admired the already-legendary silver furniture of the Sun King shortly before Louis XIV had it melted down. After ascending the throne in 1694, Augustus emulated the French monarch’s solar symbolism, including, as here, the powerful and energetic design referencing the sun god Apollo. This allusion would have been especially pronounced when the sconces were in use because the mirrors intensified the flickering golden light of the candle flames.
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