Rare Desk Lamp, Netherlands, 1970s

A desk lamp with a lyrically bent frame in patinated steel and a conical, articulating shade, front legs and spherical counterweight, all in solid, patinated brass. The sinuous cut-away section at the rear of the light shade both mimics the shape of and skim lights the frame. It has been newly updated with braided cloth wire and a period switch. The shade has been expertly re-patinated while the legs retain the original finish, displaying a deep and rich patina along with natural traces of oxidation and wear.

A rare design by a Dutch artist, whose identity we have yet to confirm, that recalls some of Jean Royere’s jaunty lighting creations of the 1950s, while the sculptural front legs remind us of Alexander Calder’s silhouettes. We’ve had a pair of self-balancing table lamps from this same series and while we have encountered a handful of those in the marketplace over the years, this is the first and only desk model we’ve seen.

17 h x 8 w x 17.5 d

Condition: good, age appropriate wear

$3,500