Dirk van Erp

Marion Elizabeth Brown and Jean Williamson, Berkeley, CA
Private Collection, San Francisco, CA
Hirschl & Adler Galleries, New York

From Architecture to Object:  Masterworks of the American Arts & Crafts Movement, Hirschl & Adler Galleries, New York, October 7-November 18, 1989
Struve Gallery, Chicago, December 15, 1989-January 22, 1990

Overall in very good condition. The mica is original in the shade, and all of the copper tabs which secure the mica on the shade interior appear original and undisturbed. As expected, there are minor traces of surface soiling and occasional flaking to the mica. There is a small area (approximately 1 x 1 inch) where the mica is flaking and the top layer on the exterior of the shade is lifting slightly. This area is located in the bottom right corner of one of the mica panels directly adjacent to the lower portion of the copper batten, and would probably benefit from being professionally stabilized. The warty base shows a few scattered light surface scratches, gentle rubbing to the patina, and some traces of light surface soiling along the lower register of the base. There is a slightly deeper diagonal surface scratch on the side of the base, approximately 3 inches long, with a few smaller adjacent scratches. Some of the rivets securing the arms are slightly loose. With remnants of felt and old adhesive on the underside of the base. Sockets and pull chains replaced. A very attractive lamp, displaying great form and proportions, vigorous sculptural arms, and a superb deep rich patina to the rare "warty" base. The lamp presents beautifully in person, and the patina on the base and shade (a rich russet red and brown) are much more vibrant than in the catalogue illustration (which is slightly dark and over-shadowed). When illuminated, the color and patina of the mica is very attractive and displays a rich warm glow.
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.

This striking Van Erp lamp is distinguished by its rare "warty" base, and the unusual treatment of the sculptural curvilinear arms supporting the shade.  Van Erp's "warty" vases and table lamp bases are characterized by their vigorously hand-wrought textured surfaces.  The base to this lamp bears a particularly rich patina heightened in shades of brown and red.