Candle Wall Sconces as Art
Historically candles were used to provide heat and ambient light. As technology progressed and light bulbs were invented, the need for candles as a source of light obviously went into great decline. But candles never fell completely out of favor with the masses and in fact with the discovery of new sources of wax for the making of candles, the art of candle making developed. No longer just a utilitarian function candles became artwork.
Holders for candles followed suit. No longer just needed to hold light and perhaps make light portable, candle holders and candle sconces became works of art in and of themselves. Glass, iron and brass were the materials of choice initially for candle sconces. And these were not limited to interior use.
Mounts were developed to hang candle sconces from nearly any exterior wall. Alcoves and outdoor walkways are often illuminated by large candles held up high on a wall by elaborate mounts.
For a brief period, candles were popular methods of time keeping. Time could be measured by how long the candle took to burn – marks would be made on a backdrop and as the candle burned down, the marks would show the passing of time. Different types of oils and waxes were used for this, but again, as technology progressed there were far simpler methods for time keeping developed and this lost favor.
Wall sconces (the word sconce is likely derived from the French language word “esconce” which means covered or covering) are generally made of glass. The light points upward and casts beautiful shadows from below. Often ornate candle wall sconces are placed on either side of major works of art not only to accent the piece but to cast a softer lighting on the piece and perhaps cast well-placed shadows that enhance the lighting of the art itself.
From the early Egyptians who first used candles in 3000 b.c. to modern times, the progress of candles in culture from light sources to time sources to works of art has been a fascinating journey. Very few other mediums have been able to survive the various iterations that candles have survived.
The extraordinary industry that has built up over the years to hold and display and show off the art and the light of candles is truly remarkable. Candles made from various waxes and oils have often drawn skeptics among buyers as in order to truly enjoy them, one must by definition destroy them. Candles are meant to be burned so it is often with mixed feelings that a consumer will shell out a lot of money for a particular candle.
As the candle wall sconces became more popular and easier to mount and use in contemporary homes, these same consumers were able to spend their money on the artistry of the holder which was everlasting (short of an accident) as compared to the transient nature of the candle itself.
From ancient gothic cathedrals to modern mansions, candle wall sconces are a decor choice that provides a source of beauty, mystery and ambiance without comparison.