Tiffany Studios

Private Collection, Saco, Maine, circa 1910
Thence by descent

Overall very good condition. This chandelier has historic provenance dating back to the period and by all accounts the shade and its accompanying hardware all originated together since the period. The shade with approximately 11 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout, which is a relatively low number in proportion to the vast number of glass tiles which were required to execute this large complex shade. With one fractured yellow tile below the upper geometric border, stable. The shade with light surface soiling throughout. All of the hanging components (cap, chain, S-hook and canopy) appear to be original and display with a rich brown patina. The bronze surfaces with scattered minor surface scratches and abrasions consistent with age and gentle use. The bronze with scattered minor discolorations, areas of rubbing and minor traces of oxidation. All sockets appear to be original and undisturbed. An outstanding example of this model in excellent original condition, executed with a richly saturated and highly artistic glass selection. The poppy blossoms are exquisitely rendered in varying hues of rich ruby red and soft pinks and corals. Each glass tile incorporated throughout the shade displays strong artistic nuance, adding to the visual movement and pictorial depth of the lamp. When viewed in person the colors appear richer and more nuanced than seen in the catalogue illustrations, especially in the extraordinary range of reds, which are offset by intensely saturated violet, cobalt and aquamarine background tiles.
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 present “Poppy” lamp shade model is among Tiffany’s most artistic and complex floral designs.  Its depiction of the entire poppy plant from root to blossom demonstrates the influence of the 19^th Century interest in cataloguing flora and fauna.  The composition is painterly and highly naturalistic, with poppy blossoms bending this way and that, densely layered and foreshortened, creating a pictorial illusion of the flowerbed receding into space.

The naturalism and dimensionality of the shade’s composition is heightened by the its incredible glass selection.  In this Poppy the glass selector has articulated the blossoms in a range of brilliant reds, from deep maroon and crimson to softer tones delicately layered in white, as if to suggest sun-dappled light on the petals.  Lush leaves and stems depicted in rich emeralds, moss, and fern greens provide a dramatic contrast to the warm reds of the blossoms. The background passages display an extraordinary transition in hues commencing at the bottom with rich earth-tones to intense cobalts and violets in the higher registers.