Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Figural Lamp, by Viennese Sculptor Theodor Ullmann

On offer is an Art Nouveau figural table lamp dating from the late 19th century to early 20th century (circa 1890–1915), a period famous for blending functional everyday objects with organic, flowing fine art. The lamp features a classic Art Nouveau maiden or nymph wearing flowing, semi-translucent drapery. Her posture relies heavily on the whiplash curve, a signature style of the movement that emphasizes fluid, winding lines. She arches one arm gracefully over her head to support a sweeping, organic stem. The stem blossoms into a stylized flower bud structure that holds the light socket. It features a highly desirable crystal-beaded basketweave shade. These shades were popular in European and American production to softly diffuse harsh, early electric bulb light into a warm, textured ambient glow. Period lamps of this style were most frequently cast in spelter (a zinc-lead alloy often called "pot metal") and given a rich, chemically treated brown-bronze or copper patina coating. The sculptural base sits on a turned wooden or heavy composition plinth. Stamped by the cord base is the signature and foundry origin for Th. Ullmann (Theodor/Theodore Ullmann), a known Austrian sculptor active during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. "FRANCE" indicates the casting origin or the import/export designation for a piece distributed through or cast by a foundry operation located in France. "Th. Ullmann", located right below "FRANCE", is stamped directly into the casting metal. While Theodor Ullmann is most famously associated with the Arthur Rubinstein Foundry in Vienna, Austria (where his sculptures are often stamped with an "AR" foundry pastille), many high-end decorative bronze designs from this era were cross-licensed or distributed via prominent French institutions, such as the prominent French lighting house Maison Charles, which was founded in Paris in 1908 specifically by purchasing the Ullmann bronze works. This direct historical connection explains why an authentic piece based on a model by Ullmann bears a specialized "FRANCE" casting stamp for production and retail distribution. The lamp has a brown cord equipped with a mid-century or later inline rotary thumb switch, having been rewired safely for twentieth-century household use. Signature/Maker’s mark: Adjacent to cord opening (photo #12). Base dimensions: 5.75” width x 5.75” depth.

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