Terms and conditions of use
Temptation, standard lamp
(La Tentation, torchère)
(c. 1925)
Medium
glass (etched), patinated bronze
Measurements
(a-b) 165.3 × 46.3 × 48.5 cm (overall)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Bequest of Mrs Joan Henderson (Vickie) Monks in memory of Victor and Hilda H. Climas, 1998
Gallery location
Mid 20th Century Paintings & Decorative Arts Gallery
Level 2, NGV International
About this work
The Paris International Exhibition of 1925 was an enormous opportunity for Edgar-William Brandt to show off his ironwork, beginning with his design for the exhibition’s main gate of entry, the Gate of Honour. Brandt also had his own stand on the Esplanade des Invalides, where his serpent lamps were displayed. They were called Temptation, referencing the biblical story of Adam and Eve. The large conical glass shade was made by Verrerie de Nancy, with whom Brandt collaborated frequently, and the patina on the scaly surface of the snake was achieved through a chemical oxidisation process. Brandt’s serpent lights were made in two designs and two sizes, a tablelamp and a standard lamp, and were produced between 1920and 1926.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Nancy, France
Inscription
(b) engraved under outside rim: DAUM (monogram) NANCY / FRANCE
Accession Number
1998.256.a-b
Department
International Decorative Arts
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Digitisation Champion Ms Carol Grigor through Metal Manufactures Limited