Greene & Greene

Robert Roe and Nellie Celeste Canfield Blacker
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Otto Bockelman, by acquisition of the house and contents, late 1940s
Max and Marjorie Hill, by acquisition of the house and contents, circa 1950
Michael Carey, New York, 1985
Acquired from the above by the present owners, circa 1988

William R. Current and Karen Current, Greene & Greene:  Architects in the Residential Style, Dobbs Ferry, NY, 1977, pp. 47, 50 and 52
Randell L. Makinson, Greene & Greene: Architecture as a Fine Art, Salt Lake City, 1977, pp. 151 and 153
Randell L. Makinson, Greene & Greene: Furniture and Related Designs, Salt Lake City, 1979, p. 77
Marvin Rand, Greene & Greene, Layton, UT, 2005, p. 192

Overall in very good condition. The four side panels of iridized glass appear to be original to the lantern and undisturbed, and display expected surface oxidation, soiling and discoloration consistent with age and exposure to outside elements over time. This surface oxidation is likely the result of deposits from the patinated brass armature reacting over time with the glass surfaces. Two of the side panels with a few short superficial stress fractures extending upward the bottom border, all of which seem entirely stable and do not extend through the depth of the glass. As expected, the perimeter edges of the glass are slightly irregular in areas with some small and minor edge losses. The lantern is further decorated with small pieces of amber and green iridized glass above each side panel beneath the canopy. All of this decorative glass is intact and appears to be original. Two of these small pieces of glass with minor edge losses to the bottom border. The underside of the lantern has two inset panels of amber iridized glass. Both of these panels appear to be later replacements, as they do not show consistent wear and age to the side panels. The patinated bronze stretcher which runs between the bottom glass panels is slightly indented inward. The patinated brass surfaces of the lantern with surface oxidation, soiling and discoloration throughout, and with some occasional surface scratches and abrasions, consistent with age and exterior use. All of the square brass decorative pegs used to embellish the canopy appear to be intact and undisturbed. The lantern is accompanied by a circular ribbed clear glass shade diffuser which can be fitted below the electrical socket. This diffuser appears to be quite old and is likely original to the lantern. The lantern is electrified with a single central interior socket with paddle switch which also appears to be original and undisturbed. The patinated bronze link chain is likely a replacement. The accompanying heart-form hardware connecting the chain to the lantern and the rectangular-form ceiling plate appears to be original. The rectangular ceiling plate with minor traces of white house paint from a prior installation. With four long threaded decorative bolts for the ceiling plate which also appear to be original. The lantern presents beautifully in person, displaying great scale and presence. The natural oxidation to the iridized glass is quite beautiful, now part of its natural patina, and iridized surfaces impart the lantern with a warm glowing luminosity.
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.

The present lot is a rare surviving example from the exterior lighting scheme for the Robert R. Blacker House in Pasadena, California, widely recognized as one of the largest and most elaborate commissions completed by the architects Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene.  Approximately ten of these dramatic, broad-hooded lanterns were executed for the commission in three varying sizes.  The present lot is an example of the middle size.  They were hung from the projecting beams of the post-and-beam structure, with a monumental example hung at the end of the porte-cochère and a smaller variant hung outside the billiard room.  The abstract branches articulated in the upper corners of the lantern were inspired by the plant materials on the Blacker property.  The incorporation of these motifs is a reflection of the value that Greene & Greene placed on the unity between natural and constructed environments.