19th Century Notary Lamp In Sculpted Bronze, Napoleon III Period, Art Nouveau, Functional

The gilded brass and bronze desk lamp, commonly called a "piano lamp" or "notary lamp", is an elegant piece, emblematic of the Art Nouveau style, with a marked influence of the Napoleon III style. Dating from the 1900s to 1910s, this lamp embodies both the aesthetic refinement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the functionality sought for work spaces of the time, particularly in notaries' offices, music rooms and private libraries. The design of this lamp demonstrates great finesse of craftsmanship, typical of decorative objects in chiseled bronze. Bronze, a noble and robust material, is finely worked here to give the piece an ornamental appearance while maintaining functional solidity. The base of the lamp is circular, a classic choice that ensures perfect stability while integrating harmoniously into the interiors of the time. The bronze work is highlighted by the chiseling, which underlines the contours and patterns with a refined level of detail. This chiseled work is a distinctive feature of Napoleon III style pieces, where attention to detail and ornamentation were priorities. One of the most notable elements of this lamp is its swan neck, also chiseled, which connects the base to the reflector. This swan neck is topped with acanthus leaves, a decorative motif frequently used in art and architecture since ancient times, but particularly popular in the Napoleon III style. The acanthus leaves, symbols of vigor and durability, bring an organic and majestic touch to the whole, recalling the importance given to nature in the Art Nouveau style. This mix of elegant curves and floral motifs reflects the aesthetic of the period, where art and craftsmanship came together to produce objects that were functional as well as decorative. The reflector, meanwhile, is designed to be oriented in all directions, making it a lamp that is both practical and flexible. This device allows the user to direct light precisely where it is needed, whether for reading, writing or playing the piano. The reflector is made of brass, a material prized for its brilliance and resistance to corrosion. It is decorated with finely engraved floral motifs, typical of Art Nouveau, which was largely inspired by natural forms. This decorative choice illustrates the fascination of this period with nature and its sinuous curves, in contrast to the straight and austere lines of previous styles. The lamp is tiltable, which gives it great flexibility of use. This mechanism was very popular at the time, particularly in professional environments such as notaries' offices, where adaptable lighting was essential. The combination of functionality and aesthetics makes this lamp an emblematic piece of the 1900s-1910s, an era when elegance and practicality were harmoniously combined. In short, this desk lamp in chiseled bronze and gilded brass is much more than a simple utilitarian object; it is a testament to the craftsmanship excellence of the time. Its ornamental details, such as acanthus leaves and floral motifs, as well as its inclined design, embody the perfect marriage of functionality and beauty in Napoleon III style furniture, influenced by Art Nouveau. This chandelier is available for sale in my shop at 57 rue Victor Hugo, 76000 Rouen Delivery possible (ask for a transport quote) You can follow me on my Instagram by following this link: https://www.instagram.com/patrick.boussougant/ Back to the shop: Online sale of antique objects and furniture, purchase in complete security (abnantiquites.com)