Frédéric-Eugène Piat (1827-1903), La Nature (Torchère Lumineuse), manufactured by Maison Mottheau et Fils, gilt-bronze and onyx

the upper section with an allegorical figure representing Power and a cockerel representing France above a star studded globe on the back of an eagle  above a globular section with four bulbs recessed amongst clouds and sunbursts on a flaring stem applied with Bacchic cherubs amongst clouds, the stem also cast with a gilt-bronze wings and scrolled boss signed La Nature Exp.^on - VNI^LE-1900 above a turret the base cast with bold fountains, rockwork and foliage on four feet resting on a concave sided square base cast with gecko and foliage, the base signed signed MOTTHEAU PARIS and E. Piat, 1900

Purchased by Lehmann Bernheimer at the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris.
The Entrance Hall at Lenbachplatz, Munich until removed to Marquartstein in 1987.

Paris, Exposition Universelle of 1900;
Essen, Villa Hügel, Paris, Belle Epoque, 1880-1914, 1994
Munich, Hypo-Kulturstiftung, 2007
Munich, Judischen Museums, Die Kunst- und Antiquitatenfirma Bernheimer, November 2007-March 2008, cat. nr. 1.

MM. Ernest Babelon, L'art à l'exposition Universelle de 1900, Paris, 1846-1912, p. 453, for an engraving of the present model - see fig. 2.
Paris, Belle Epoque, 1880-1914, exh. cat. Kulturstiftung Ruhr, Villa, Hügel, Essen, 11th June-13th November 1994, cat. 21, pp. 226-228.
Emily D. Bilski, Die Kunst-und Antiquitatenfirma Bernheimer, exh. cat., Judischen Museums, Munich, Minerva, 2007, p.39, ill.

In overall good conserved condition. Good quality casting to the gilt-bronze mounts which are a little dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. Old very minor marks, chips and scratches and pitting commensurate with age and normal usage. There is a medium sized chip off on top of centre section and on one of the turrets and there are some minor areas of infill on the turret and upper section in the onyx as visible in the catalogue photograph.There is also piece missing on the inner rim of top on central section. There are some scattered age cracks which are in the onyx which are normal and can be left. There is a crack and repair on column on upturned bell shaped section.There are some screw holes on the turret section which can easily be filled and some missing screws generally. There is a small gap where one of the clouds covers a gap in the onyx. There is some very minor flaking to the blue tôle which can easily be touched up. Highly recommended.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

“Let this work be a work of harmony, of peace and progress, and if the decoration be ephemeral, let it not be in vain”. Thus began President Loubert’s opening speech at the Exposition Universelle of 1900.

‘La Nature’ perfectly encapsulates this philosophy having been acquired by Lehmann Bernheimer at the 1900 Exhibition in Paris. One of the most stunning and innovative items in the furniture section, ‘La Nature’ by Maison Mottheau is a triumph of new technology and design. This acquisition confirms Lehmann’s vision in purchasing an object at the forefront of innovation – one of the first electrified art objects. His presence alone at the Exposition Universelle confirms his interest in the latest fashions in art and decoration and it is telling that he purchased an object that combines the epitome of gilt-bronze manufacturing on such as large scale, advances in the mechanical manipulation of fragile stones and electrification in a fluid design.  

Frédéric-Eugène Piat (1827-1903) was a renowned French sculpteur-ornemaniste, creating designs and models for clocks, wall-appliques, ceiling and table lamps, candelabras, and torchères. All of his designs were executed by leading Parisian bronziers, such as Christofle, Colin, Lemerle-Charpentier and as in the present example, Maison Mottheau.

Maison Mottheau et fils were renowned Parisian bronziers specializing in lighting fixtures. The Art Journal comments: "The French Section shows many examples of fine work applied under the new conditions, but we doubt if a more complete success is to be recorded to the credit of any exhibitor than can be conceded to Messieurs Mottheau et fils". See: The Art Journal, The Paris Exhibition 1900 - An Illustrated Record of its Art, Architecture and Industrie, London, 1900, pp. 86-7. 

An almost identical model was sold Sotheby's, New York, 28th-29th November 2006, lot 374,($102,000).