Antique French Art Nouveau Brass and Shell Table Lamp by Louis Majorelle, 1900

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French Art Nouveau table lamp, circa 1900, attributed to Louis Majorelle, with a wonderfully sculptural brass frame and remarkable natural … Read more French Art Nouveau table lamp, circa 1900, attributed to Louis Majorelle, with a wonderfully sculptural brass frame and remarkable natural shell shade. The lamp is a superb expression of the Art Nouveau fascination with organic and natural forms. The elegant sweeping stem rises organically from the base, almost like the stalk of a flower, terminating in an elaborate openwork foliate mount which embraces a large natural shell. The shell itself forms the shade and has wonderful nacreous pink, cream and mother-of-pearl tones, becoming particularly beautiful when illuminated from within. The design of the metalwork is especially appealing, with flowing whiplash curves and stylised vegetation characteristic of the French Art Nouveau / École de Nancy aesthetic. The shell is not simply suspended from the fitting but incorporated into the overall composition, making the lamp appear almost as though it has grown naturally from the stem. The shaped brass base is equally interesting, decorated with flowing foliate relief and incorporating three recessed octagonal compartments, presumably intended for small desk accessories, jewellery or other personal objects. This gives the piece the character of both a decorative lamp and an exceptionally unusual period desk or dressing-table object. The attribution to Louis Majorelle (1859–1926) is based upon the style and design of the piece rather than a visible signature, and it is therefore being offered as attributed to rather than definitively by Majorelle. A wonderfully atmospheric and highly decorative example of turn-of-the-century design, with the natural shell producing a beautiful warm amber and pearlescent glow when illuminated. The combination of sculptural metalwork and an essentially unique natural shade makes this a particularly striking piece for an Art Nouveau interior or collection. Condition wise, the lamp displays the expected age-related patination, surface marks and wear associated with an object of this period. The natural shell retains the irregularities, markings and characteristics inherent to the material, all of which can be seen in the detailed photographs. Please view all photographs as they form part of the condition report. Dimensions Height: 35.5cm Width: 15cm Depth: 19cm
Up to 250V (Europe/UK Standard).The wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less