Henry van de Velde

executed by Otto Bergner, Bad Berka
brass, opalescent glass

Dr Ernst Wittern, Lübeck
Von Zezschwitz, Munich, 2 November, 2006, lot 296
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Dörte Folkers, Cay Folkers, Henry van de Veldes Arbeiten für Ernst Wittern in Lübeck, New York, 1983, p. 158, pl. 15
Klaus-Jürgen Sembach, Birgit Schulte, Henry van de Velde: Ein europäischer Kunstler Zeit, Cologne, p. 269 for a drawing of relatable examples in the director's room of the Grand-Ducal Museum, Weimar, 1907
Thomas Föhl, Michael Siebenbrodt, The Bauhaus-Museum: Kunst sammlungen zu Weimar, Munich, 1996, p. 25 as above
Thomas Föhl, Antje Neumann, Henry van De Velde: Das Haus unter den hohen Pappeln, Munich, 2003, p. 23 for a drawing of relatable examples in the inspector's room of the Großherzoglichen Museum, Weimar, 1908
Thomas Föhl & Antje Neumann, eds, Henry van de Velde: Raumkunst und Kunsthandwerk, vol. I, Metallkunst, Weimar, 2009, p. 598, cat. rais. no. 1.4.2.66, illustrated

Overall very good condition consistent with age. Very minor faint scattered surface scuffs to the frame with minor shallow dents to the mounting plate for the lampholders. The shade in excellent condition overall with scattered small air bubbles and very minor flecks to the mounting edge, both are to be expected as part of the production of the glass, the flecks not visible when the shade is installed. Sotheby's does not guarantee electrical components and suggests having all wiring inspected by a licensed electrician.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The first documented example of this model was for the residence of banker Dr Alfred Wolff in Munich in 1905, and formed the central fixture of a larger, more complex lighting system. A second example, the offered lot, was installed in the study of the residence of Dr Ernst Wittern in Lübeck, Germany, for which Otto Bergner produced a bill on 08.03.1906. Slated for a remodel in 1908, illustrations depict intent to further use this model in the director's and graphics rooms of the Großherzoglichen Museum in Weimar, however the remodel was never realised.