Louis Comfort Tiffany
Balustrade from the H.O. Havemeyer House, New York
Estimate:
80,000
Louis Comfort Tiffany
Balustrade from the H.O. Havemeyer House, New York
circa 1890-1892
adapted for use as a firescreen
executed by Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company, New York
gilt iron, twisted brass wire, opalescent glass
33 5/8 x 42 1/4 x 8 3/4 in. (85.4 x 107.3 x 22.2 cm)
Overall in very good condition. This lot represents a section of the elaborate balustrade that Louis C. Tiffany designed for the historic Havemeyer House in the early 1890s. The balustrade was adapted for use as a firescreen by adding the upper metal molding and the lower feet at some point in the history of the piece, which integrate seamlessly with the form. The balustrade is comprised of a series of “S” shaped, twisted brass wire decorations with inset opalescent paisley-shaped molded glass tiles. These decorative sections are divided by vertical twisted iron posts. The balustrade was originally entirely gilt, however the majority of the original gilding has been lost and is retained only in the recessed contours of the design. The balustrade has acquired a rich patina with age and presents with some corrosion and light surface soiling concentrated to the recessed contours of the design. The metal surfaces with scattered surface scratches, abrasions, and wear consistent with age and handling. The twisted wire decoration with some occasional breaks throughout, visible in the catalogue illustration, not visually distracting and not affecting the stability of the work. The “studded” metal bands which secure the “S” shaped decorations to the vertical posts display some looseness and in a few instances are lacking entirely, which does not affect stability or the visual harmony of the composition. These bands were reinforced at some point in the history of the piece with wires, which also display some occasional looseness. The proper left rear vertical post is lacking its disk-shaped foot. The molded glass tiles display a range of tonalities from ice white-blue and warm golden amber. The glass appears to be all original and undisturbed and is in very good condition overall. An extraordinarily elaborate work with impressive visual presence when viewed firsthand.
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.