Tiffany Studios

designed by Clara Driscoll in 1901
"Wisteria" lamp (shade and base):  model no. 342

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Linder Pope, Sr., Brookline, MA, ca. 1912
Thence by descent

Overall in very good condition. The shade with approximately 45 cracks to the glass scattered throughout. The shade with light surface soiling throughout, particularly around the top crown of the shade armature and lead lines, which would benefit from a sensitive cleaning. The high points on the top bronze armature with gentle rubbing. The patina on the base is considerably rubbed around the perimeter and high points from the accumulation of years of light cleaning. The base switch is original and has light edge wear from normal use. The sockets appear to be original. A beautiful example of Tiffany's iconic wisteria, displaying a strong and varied selection of glass, with intensely saturated tonalities of cobalt blues and greens.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The "Wisteria" shade was designed as an electric lamp and the shade and base were sold together as a unit. Tiffany's "Apple Blossom" (lot 21), "Trumpet Creeper" and "Grape" lamps, all designed shortly thereafter, share the same bronze armature and overall form and were built on the same wooden mold. Comparatively, the "Wisteria" displays a more complex composition, comprised of nearly 2,000 pieces of glass that had to be individually selected and cut. Consequently, each "Wisteria" lamp possesses its own distinct color variations.  The overall effect achieved by the glass selection captures the lushness of the "Wisteria" vine in bloom. The use of the pierced cast bronze armature was particularly innovative, as it not only replicated the trailing vines but also allowed heat from the electric light bulbs to escape.

In 1906, the price for a "Wisteria" was $400.00, making it one of the more expensive lamps in Tiffany's line. As revered as this luxury item was in the period, the "Wisteria" lamp is now widely recognized as an icon of American design and one of Tiffany Studios' most accomplished masterworks in leaded glass.

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Linder Pope, Sr., were married May 23, 1908, and in the fall of 1912 moved into their home at 16 Monmouth Street in Brookline, Massachusetts.  The bride's father was Carnegie Steel associate, George H. Wightman, and the house was a rather convenient gift from him as it was located across the street from his mansion at 43 Hawes Street (now the Brookline campus of Wheelock College).  The lamp and its pedestal (lot 71) were likely given as a wedding present or purchased for the home during its construction.  From her earliest memory, Lucy Pope Hopman remembers the "Wisteria" lamp resting upon its pedestal in the living room of her home on Monmouth Street.