The unusual Art Nouveau lamp design is dominated by this
dragonfly, which hovers over a poppy flower, its wings atypically folded and its
abdomen composed of faceted glass strung drops. The dragonfly was a natural
form embraced in the Art Nouveau lexicon; associated with the powers of the Femme
Fatale as well as being admired for its ability to transform from one state to
another. From 1906 Dragonfly lamps were
the most costly and popular of Tiffany Studios’ designs, first conceived by
Clara Driscoll in 1898.
Provenance: The Purple Shop – The Anthony Gardner Collection. See Bellmans website article for further information: https://www.bellmans.co.uk/story/the-purple-shop-the-anthony-gardner-collection
Condition Report:
Quite a few red drop strings are missing. One is partly missing, another with just the first bead remaining and other strings fully missing. There is a pierced collar with loops for the strings of glass facets, which is partially concealed. See additional images.
One wing with a thinner tip to the others, although it is smooth suggesting possible historic repair (photographed) and the chipped area has been smoothed down and is less noticeable. Other lights small abrasions and general wear commensurate with use and age.
Tarnishing and rubbing to the surfaces with gilding rubbed. See images.
General wear and marks to the metal lamp. We cannot guarantee the working order of this lamp and it will require updated wiring to be PAT tested.
