Ref.14850
Maison Bernard, wrought iron craftsman, pair of richly decorated floor lamps, circa 1889

These monumental floor lamps were made circa 1889 by the the wrought-iron craftsman Antoine Bernard. They each rest on three feet in the shape of lion's paws extending in the form of volutes covered with ornamental acanthus leaves; in the center, the scrolls join a central foot, masked by masks and leather straps. Higher up, the uprights are hidden by a large shell. The central part is thin, then a large, richly decorated prominence announces the crowning of the floor lamp. Finally, a vase receives the glass ball of the luminaire, itself crowned with a small radiant circle of algae. One of the original opaque glass balls was carved with harmonious streaks forming a translucent star; the same pattern was reproduced on the other, in order to restore the harmony of the pair and return the lamp to its original appearance. Bernard took part in the Universal Exhibitions of 1889 and 1900 in Paris. Several examples of this floor lamp were exhibited at the 1889 exhibition. They were listed as "Louis XIV candelabras" in La Construction Moderne of 21 December 1889, which, following on from the previous edition of 14 December, listed the "remarkable samples of [the] art [of ironwork]" at that year's Exhibition; this mention was accompanied by an engraving. Bernard also presented two "consoles in the Louis XIV style" at the exhibition, which are probably similar in style to our light fittings. The Bernard company responded to very prestigious orders. She notably executed the Honor Gate, or Rooster Gate, of the Élysée Palace, in 1900. This gate has many characteristics in common with the two lamps: the same monumentality, the same foliage ornaments bring them together.

Ref.15091
Art foundry of Johann HERZNER (attributed to), Lantern with rich rococo decoration, Second half of the 19th century

This ornate rococo-style lantern was crafted by the art foundry of Johann Herzner in the last quarter of the 19th century. The Johann Herzner art foundry, located at 37 Erzgießereistrasse in Munich, specialized in both original works and scaled reproductions. Active from approximately 1870 to 1877, the foundry made a significant impression with its display at the 1870 London International Workers’ Exhibition, where it presented a rococo-inspired couple (“Roccocopaar”) that highlighted Herzner’s early passion for the style. The pieces, noted for their exceptional clarity and detail despite a lack of chiseling, earned the foundry a second-class medal. Following this, the works were also showcased at Munich’s City Hall. Herzner further garnered acclaim at the 1873 Vienna World’s Fair, where he won a merit medal in both metal industry and decorative arts categories, praised for his well-modeled and finely crafted bronze groups. His last known exhibition was at the 1876 Munich Art and Craft Exhibition, where he received a second-class medal in the new arts industry category. This remarkable gilded bronze and glass lantern rests on a quadrilobed wooden base adorned with intricate decoration. Set within a naturalistic rocky and vegetative scene, various putti frolic in varied poses: a winged girl sits on a rock, while two young boys play amid the foliage. From this base, the stand spirals upward, featuring fluted leaves with sinuous curves surrounded by leafy embellishments. Toward the top, more putti appear: one, comfortably nestled within a curve, seems to hold seaweed in each hand; above him, a miniature Jupiter with lightning bolt and crown rests on an eagle with his left arm; another winged girl with roses gazes into the lantern, while an airy putto is suspended below, as if supporting the object. These four putti may symbolize the four elements (water, fire, earth, and air). The base of the lantern also displays rococo styling, crafted as a scalloped shell with uneven edges, from which palm-like fronds arc and frame the glass surface. The top of the lantern utilizes a play of solid and open spaces, which becomes especially striking when the lantern is lit. Each of the six glass panels is tinted blue and depicts a night sky dotted with stars, showing the moon in its various phases, which can be followed by turning the lantern. The exceptional craftsmanship and opulence of this piece showcase the artistry of the Bavarian foundry responsible for its creation, a workshop worthy of greater recognition.