$38,513
French Art Nouveau Gilt Bronze Figural Lamp, "Loie Fuller" by Raoul Larche (1860-1912), c. 1900, signed on the base and with foundry stamp of Siot-Decauville, Paris, depicting the dancer Loie Fuller as a nymph clad in expansive diaphanous garb with a windblown swirl of cloth above her head, electrified, ht. 18 in. Although an American ex-patriot, Fuller found her fame as a regular performer at the Folies Bergère in Paris and captivated audiences with her innovative choreographic creations such as the Fire Dance. Her radical style and beauty attracted the attention of many of the most celebrated artists of the day, such as Henri-de Toulouse Lautrec, Auguste Rodin and of course Francois Raoul-Larche. She became the embodiment of the Art Nouveau movement and is symbolized in many important images of early 20th century Paris. Larche had his sculptural training under Jouffroy and Falguière at the École des Beaux Arts. Although his life and career were brief, his work was acclaimed at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle and was awarded the gold medal for sculpture. Some minor rubbing in spots, fine casting, old (i.e. period) wiring.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2009-10-24
