- 225
Tiffany Studios
Estimate
150,000 - 250,000 USD
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Description
- Tiffany Studios
- An Important and Rare Twenty-Five Light "Lily" Chandelier
- each shade engraved L.C.T.
- favrile glass and patinated bronze
Provenance
Marklove and Dorothy Lowery, Utica, NY
Thence by descent to Robert and Mary Olney, Rome, NY, 1961
Thence by descent to the present owner
Thence by descent to Robert and Mary Olney, Rome, NY, 1961
Thence by descent to the present owner
Condition
Overall in very good condition. This Lily Chandelier and the Lily Sconces offered in lots 226 and 227 are being consigned by descendants of the Havemeyer Family from the period, and by all accounts the Lily shades and bronze chandelier mount have originated together since the time of manufacture. The lily shades are a well-matched set displaying complementary form, color and decoration. As expected there is some variation to the coloration of the shades inherent in the production process, with some brown overtones to the interior and/or exterior of the shades. A few of the shade interiors with some internal threads of glass along the bottom ruffled rims, also inherent in the making. The shades are all beautifully decorated with green pulled feather decoration, and iridized on the exterior, displaying strong luminous color. One Lily shade with a small and minor chip to the top aperture rim (approximately 1/4 x 1/8 inch), two shades with very small edge flecks to the top aperture rims, and one shade with a minute edge fleck to the top aperture rim. (None of these minor issues are visible when the shades are installed.) The patinated bronze chandelier mount displays a richly mottled green patina, with some occasional light surface scratches and wear, gentle rubbing, and some minor areas of surface discoloration consistent with age and gentle handling. An outstanding example of this exceedingly rare and elaborate Lily Chandelier with a remarkable historic provenance, displaying beautiful form and an exceptionally large set of green-decorated shades.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
The present “Lily” suite (lots 225-227) has remained in the same New York family since the early 20th Century. The original owners were Marklove Lowery and Dorothy Applegate, daughter of Ada Augusta Havemeyer of the prominent New York City family known for their patronage to Tiffany Studios. It was Henry Osborne Havemeyer, the cousin of Ada’s father, whose legendary Manhattan apartment was lavishly designed by Louis C. Tiffany and Samuel Colman in 1891 when Ada was a young woman.
It comes as no surprise that Dorothy, carrying on the Havemeyer legacy, and husband Marklove, a prominent florist and landscape architect, would choose to decorate their home in Utica, New York with flora-inspired works by Tiffany Studios. The present Lily suite would have illuminated works from the couple’s extensive painting collection. The chandelier and sconces resided in their home until Marklove’s passing in 1961, at which time they descended to their daughter, Mary, and son-in-law, Robert Olney. The pieces have remained in the Olney residence in Rome, New York for over fifty years.
Similar to an example offered at Sotheby’s New York, December 15, 2006, lot 515, the rare twenty-five light chandelier included in this collection is defined by its graceful stems that bloom into delicate glass Lily shades. This piece and the accompanying sconces showcase Tiffany’s skill for reinterpreting nature into elegant, simplified forms. The chandelier and set of three sconces display shades with green pulled feather decoration, further heightening the sense of naturalism in these works. Ultimately, in this Lily ensemble, timeless beauty is enriched by an illustrious heritage, which tells a fascinating story about one family’s deep and engrained affection for Tiffany Studios.
It comes as no surprise that Dorothy, carrying on the Havemeyer legacy, and husband Marklove, a prominent florist and landscape architect, would choose to decorate their home in Utica, New York with flora-inspired works by Tiffany Studios. The present Lily suite would have illuminated works from the couple’s extensive painting collection. The chandelier and sconces resided in their home until Marklove’s passing in 1961, at which time they descended to their daughter, Mary, and son-in-law, Robert Olney. The pieces have remained in the Olney residence in Rome, New York for over fifty years.
Similar to an example offered at Sotheby’s New York, December 15, 2006, lot 515, the rare twenty-five light chandelier included in this collection is defined by its graceful stems that bloom into delicate glass Lily shades. This piece and the accompanying sconces showcase Tiffany’s skill for reinterpreting nature into elegant, simplified forms. The chandelier and set of three sconces display shades with green pulled feather decoration, further heightening the sense of naturalism in these works. Ultimately, in this Lily ensemble, timeless beauty is enriched by an illustrious heritage, which tells a fascinating story about one family’s deep and engrained affection for Tiffany Studios.