Table Lamp

In 1890, Majorelle set up a workshop solely to produce bronze, copper or wrought iron ornaments for his furniture. From 1898, experimental metalwork became an integral part of Majorelle's style. So it is not surprising that the decisive element in the Daum-Majorelle partnership which was sealed in 1903 was Majorelle himself. It was he who designed the wrought iron or bronze stands, and chose the form, decoration and size of the various types of lamp. No other version of this table lamp is known to exist. The floral globe, the broad rolled leaves holding it and the bunch of plant stems forming the stand were taken from a 1903 model. They all suggest a stylised water lily. The 1903 model had several little frogs on its base, emerging from the water, in a naïve and rather clumsy evocation of the aquatic world. The base of this model is quite different. Animated by supple swaying stems, some ending in buds, it gives the lamp a very elegant dynamic rising movement which culminates in the blooming of the luminous flower. The lamp is in excellent condition, which is remarkable because it is very unusual for the original stand and shade to survive intact.