Tiffany Studios

Robert Koch, Louis C. Tiffany: Rebel in Glass, New York, 1964, p. 187
Robert Koch, Louis C. Tiffany: The Collected Works of Robert Koch, Atglen, PA, 2001, p. 122
Alastair Duncan, Tiffany Lamps and Metalware, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2007, p. 414, no. 1661
Timeless Beauty, The Art of Louis Comfort Tiffany, The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Atglen, PA, 2016, p. 197

Overall very good condition. When viewed in person the screen presents with a highly artistic warm and cool palette of rich ambers and reds balanced by subtle blue-greens. The wings with approximately 4 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout which have been sensitively stabilized by a professional Tiffany conservator. The leading is beautifully rendered with refined lines. The hooks on the reverse of the wings appear to be original. The central female figure displays exceptionally fine casting. The bronze surfaces throughout with gentle rubbing and wear to the patina and some very minor surface scratches. The figure with light surface soiling to the recessed areas of the design. With a reproduction gilt metal link chain. This screen has a curvilinear-shaped profile and is not flat as it may appear in the catalogue illustrations. A superb example displaying a highly artistic glass selection and a distinctly Art Nouveau sensibility.
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.

At the turn of the century, consumers began to embrace electric over traditional kerosene lamps.  This prompted Tiffany Studios to introduce a series of lamp screens into its repertoire, which were designed to further diffuse the relatively harsh glow of electric bulbs. The screens took the forms of charming creatures such as dragonflies, moths and, in this rare instance, a woman with butterfly wings.  This hybrid creature was a popular motif during the time, encapsulating the sensuality and fantasy of the Art Nouveau style. Though conceived as an accessory, the fine casting of the female figure, stunning glass selection, and skillful leadwork make this lamp screen a superb example of Tiffany’s unparalleled artistry.