Bracket

The mask in the center of this bracket is set in a cartouche surrounded by curving acanthus leaves, scrolls, and trelliswork. The designer has used a combination of burnished and matte surfaces to give the bracket texture and depth. Wall brackets held clocks or other small decorative objects such as porcelain vases or bronzes. Brackets were usually made of carved and gilded wood; gilt bronze, as shown here, is an unusual material. Although the names of the designer and the bronzier are unknown, recent research suggests that Charles Cressent, one of the greatest ébénistes of the period, may have made this wall bracket. Cressent designed and made gilt bronze mounts for use on his furniture, and he may have also made individual objects of gilt bronze.