Modernist ceiling lamp, ca. 1910

Modernist ceiling lamp, ca. 1910.
"Dragonfly".
Brass and crystal.
In very good state of preservation.
Published in the book "Le Modern Style", Baschet et Cie Éditeurs, Paris, p. 179. With photo.
Measurements: 63 cm. height lamp + 60 cm. height supplementary pole.

Ceiling lamp in Art Nouveau style, probably Austrian or French. A great globe in crystal forms the only focus of light around which a ring of golden brass serves as stem on which pose a couple of dragonflies, whose heads seem to unite in a single fabulous creature. The wings, also in gilded brass, have been finely carved to emulate the subtle folds and silky irregularities. The tiny antennae of the two creatures intertwine. The chandelier hangs from several strands that are attached by rings to an upper body. The incorporation of dragonflies into this extraordinary pendant lamp illustrates the influence of fin-de-siècle design based on nature. Art Nouveau design plays an important role with organic forms, refined treatments and the integration of new technologies, in this case electricity. At the turn of the century, when the bourgeoisie installed electricity in their homes, artists designed creative electrified light fixtures.