Tiffany Studios

Overall very good condition. The shade with approximately 20 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout. All of these hairlines appear stable. The shade with light surface soiling to the adjacent contours of the shade leading. The patinated bronze surfaces of the base display a rich russet brown and red patina. The patinated bronze surfaces with some occasional very light and minor surface scratches and abrasions, and with light surface soiling to the recessed contours. The base standard with a very faint area of rubbing approximately 1 inch high at approximately one-third from the bottom of the standard, not visually detractive. The period Tiffany finial with threaded pin with two shallow bruises in one quadrant and an area of roughness along one quadrant of the circumference. All three sockets and paddle switches appear original and undisturbed. With a replaced riser. When viewed in person the coloration of the glass is richer and slightly more saturated than seen in the printed catalogue illustrations. A particularly attractive and early example of the dragonfly model, executed in a highly artistic selection of vigorously rippled glass that transitions from cool blue to vibrant cadmium yellow and orange and is punctuated by the intense azure blue and vibrant red of the dragonflies. The rippled textured glass imparts the shade with an aquatic sensibility and enhances the visual depth.
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.

Clara Driscoll’s role in designing a leaded dragonfly shade that was shown at the Tiffany Gallery in London in 1899 is well known.  However, that lamp was quite different from the present model, which was probably introduced a year or two later.  Whereas the earlier lamp was octagonal, with a different, fairly complex design for each panel, this conical shade was far simpler.  It is a repetitive design of the same insect, posed flat with the wings overlapping.  And the background is made of fewer, large panes of glass.  On the other hand, when this new design was instituted, there was no slackening of standards.  Quite the contrary.  In particular, this early shade—which is wholly unmarked—has a wonderful and unusual selection of glass, something rarely encountered once the model was well in production.  It is all rippled glass and the colors are brilliant like gem stones, with the clear glass background sparkling like diamonds.  The bronze base has, as well, early set of marks.

—Martin Eidelberg