Tiffany Studios

Private Collection, Chicago, IL, circa 1910
Thence by descent
Acquired from the above by the present owner, circa 1975

Overall in very good condition. Owing to this lamp's historic provenance going back to the period, by all accounts the shade, base and finial have originated together since the period. The shade with approximately 50-60 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout, which is a relatively low number in proportion to the vast number of glass tiles that were required to execute this large and complex shade. Most of these cracks have been recently sensitively stabilized by a professional glass conservator. The patinated bronze surfaces of the base display a rich green and brown patina, with some occasional surface scratches, abrasions, rubbing, and surface soiling and discolorations consistent with age and use. The socket cluster, wheel and finial are all original to the lamp and display a consistent patina to the base. The lamp is fitted with a later riser above the socket cluster, and the pull chains are later additions. The range of colors, most notably in the flames surrounding the salamanders and in the upper flame register, displays far greater color variation than can be seen in the catalogue illustrations, including various tonalities of oranges, corals, yellows and lime greens. The catalogue photography does not fully capture the richness and luminosity of the glass. The salamanders are articulated in rich tones of scarlet red glass surrounding by rich tones of striated purple glass. The lamp presents beautifully in person, imparting a great sense of luminosity and movement. A superb example of this exceedingly rare model, displaying an incredibly saturated and dramatic glass selection. -----
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 salamander is long associated in classical and medieval mythology with an affinity for the element of fire. Ancient and medieval writers, artists, and composers situate the iconography of the salamander within the fascination for occult practices and its apocryphal ability to withstand excessive exposure to heat and fire. Leonardo da Vinci famously proclaimed in his notebooks that the creature, “gets no food but from the fire...The salamander, which renews its scaly skin in the fire,—for pure virtue.” This iconographical connection to primordial flames is clearly symbolized in the strength of the fiery cranberry red, rich purples, blood orange, and pink tones employed in the glass selection of the present lot. Louis C. Tiffany's strong interest in natural motifs extended also to the fascination with creatures associated with spiritualism, notably the bat and the dragonfly in other models. Depicting stylized representations of salamanders in decorative roundels encircling the shade, the design brings alive this cunning creature, aflame with physical movement and magical vitality.

This superb model is exceedingly rare, with approximately six examples presently known.  For another example sold in these rooms, see Sotheby's New York, December 17, 2009, lot 428.