Ref.15113
DAUM, Émile ROBERT (attributed to), Lamp in delicately openwork wrought iron and glass, circa 1900

This lamp is the result of a collaboration between the Daum company, for the glass lampshade, and Émile Robert, for the wrought iron base. Founded in Nancy in 1878 by Jean Daum, the Daum glassworks was quickly taken over by his sons, Auguste and Antonin. From that moment on, increasingly complex creations from a technical point of view were designed there. Émile Robert (Mehun-sur-Yèvre, 1860-1924) quickly became skilled in artistic ironwork. When he arrived in Paris in 1878, he joined the workshop of locksmith Alphonse Gabriel Moreau, where his talent was quickly recognized, before becoming independent. At the 1900 Universal Exposition, he contributed to the decoration of the Metals Hall of the decorative arts pavilion, and even set up a workshop there to present the blacksmith's craft to visitors. In 1914, he founded a workshop in Enghien-les-Bains to undertake personal projects; in the same year, he was named a Knight of the Legion of Honor. This table lamp, with a base forming openwork wrought iron arms, is inspired by the Gothic style. It rests on an openwork circular base providing great stability. Four equidistant spheres topped by feet in the shape of stylized lion paws join to form a single base. Above, a slight bulge reflects Émile Robert’s interest in Art Nouveau and its vibrant vegetal vitality. The upper part, forming an arm, is decorated with delicate openwork scrolls and ends with a bird head from which the lamp is suspended. The lamp itself is conical, in orange glass tinged with yellow, held in place by four wrought iron scrolls also inspired by Art Nouveau forms. It is signed: “Daum Nancy ☨”.