Edgar Brandt

Christie's New York, December 9, 1989, lot 502
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Guillaume Janneau, Études d'Art Décoratif Contemporain: Le Fer à l'Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs Modernes, Paris, 1925, pl. 14
H. Clouzot, La Ferronnerie Moderne, Paris, ca. 1925, pl. 5
Ferrobrandt, Inc., New York, design plate, ca. 1925, no. 2249
Henri Martinie, Exposition des Arts Décoratifs Paris 1925:  La Ferronnerie, Paris, ca. 1925, pl. 40
Yvonne Brunhammer, Art Deco Style, New York, 1984, p. 63
Joan Kahr, Edgar Brandt: Master of Art Deco Ironwork, New York, 1999, p. 142
Joan Kahr, Edgar Brandt:  Art Deco Ironwork, Atglen, PA, 2010, p. 122

Overall in very good original condition. The metal surfaces throughout present with a wonderful patination from age. The metal elements show evidence of minor rubbing to the patination, surface dirt to the recessed areas of the decorative scheme, and minor areas of isolated discolorations. The proper left interior surface of the framing devices with a few scattered minor white discolorations. The decorative elements few isolated flecks of white house paint. One of the feather devices that frame the central figure with two minor elements presently bent and out of alignment. The central figure of the screen is executed in a bronze niello and therefore displays a slightly variant color as seen in catalogue illustration. The surface of the figure displays minor edge rubbing, oxidation and minor edge losses to the finish. These are minor and the figure has acquired a lovely a patination to the metal. Some the darker carved areas to the costume and tambourine are likely intentional and part of the design. An extraordinary example of Brandt’s highly detailed ironwork showing a popular narrative subject of the time period.
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.

Brandt exhibited his impressive "Danseur" fire screen (also known as "Les Plumes" or "The Feathers") at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris in 1925. The inspiration for the subject of this fire screen likely came from the Folies-Bergère, the famous Parisian night club where Josephine Baker often performed with large ostrich plumes. In the same fashion, the female dancer on this screen balances on one leg holding a tambourine above her head, framed as if on stage by a series of scrolls and whimsical feathers.  Brandt incorporates signature visual devices including fans, the running band around the perimeter, and the Egyptian lotus and lily motifs below the dancing figure to further develop the stylized context.  Brandt later executed two related pairs of decorative grilles displaying dancers surrounded by feathers for the Folies-Bergère around 1926.