1920s Art Nouveau Signed Moreau Lamp

Details

Description

This stunning piece was designed by L&F Moreau of Paris between 1907 and 1932.

L&F Moreau were brothers from the … Read more This stunning piece was designed by L&F Moreau of Paris between 1907 and 1932.

L&F Moreau were brothers from the Moreau dynasty of sculptors from Dijon, France in the 19th century. The L stands for Louis Auguste (1855-1919), the F for Hippolyte Francois (1857-1930).

Both artists, well-known, are listed in premier art guides such as Davenport's. Their work commands high prices, with exceptional auction records: their original bronzes commonly bring upwards of $10,000.

Their distinctive neoclassical style echoes the grandeur of works of ancient Greece and Rome.

At the turn of the 20th century, foundries began to work in French Bronze, or spelter, a slightly lighter-weight alloy of bronze and zinc.

As a tragic note: shortly after the date of their 'First Series,' from which this piece hails, the German occupation of France meant that the foundries could make no more statues.

To hide the moulds from which the sculptures were made from the Germans, and to protect them from destruction, they were buried under factory floors and cellars, the parts scrambled to ensure that they would not be exploited if discovered.

Most French foundries did not resume business after the war ,so the molds remained buried. They might still be hidden if Romanian emigre to America J.B. Hirsch had not learned of their existence.

From 1948 to 1963, Hirsch acquired the moulds of 15 French foundries. Putting together this jigsaw puzzle of scrambled parts turned out to be almost as difficult as locating and acquiring them.

J.B. Hirsch and Company then completed the Moreaus' work, casting sculptures from the moulds in New York.

AUTHENTICATION: Authentic Moreau signature and maker's mark present: documented in final two photos.

PROVENANCE: Originally acquired, and owned, by a single family. See less