PAIR OF GREEK STYLE SCONCES IN THE LOUIS XVI STYLE after J. L Prieur, in gilt bronze. Shafts in the shape of quivers fluted and filleted with asparagus, laurel garlands, topped by fire pots, two arms of light decorated with acanthus leaves supporting two cups with twisted flutes, supporting bobèches. H. 46 cm. Note: Jean-Louis Prieur, a renowned sculptor and chiseller of the neoclassical period, came from a family of Parisian craftsmen specialising in the decorative arts. His father, Louis Prieur, was a master fan-maker, and his uncle, Joseph de Saint-Germain, a master cabinet-maker. It is possible that Jean-Louis Prieur completed his apprenticeship with his cousin, Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain, a renowned master foundryman. In 1765, he became master sculptor at the Académie de Saint-Luc, then master foundryman "in earth and sand" in 1769, although he did not practise direct casting. As a "fondeur ciseleur", he ran a large workshop, specialising in chasing rather than casting.