Max Ingrand

Tour Arago-Défense, Paris
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Overall very good condition. The metal surfaces with light surface scratches, some surface soiling, occasional minor dents, scattered traces of white house paint concentrated to the top central mount. Minor oxidation throughout and scattered discolourations and areas of wear throughout, consistent with age and handling as partially visible in the catalogue illustration. The interiors of the metal cylindrical shade elements are painted white with lifting and flaking to the paint throughout. The glass elements with scattered chips throughout, two with larger chips, approximately each 8 cm long and are not visually distracting when installed as they are concentrated to the tops. Two small, one medium and one large glass elements are missing. Some of the original screws to hold the glass elements are also missing. A quote for replacement glass can be produced upon request. Sotheby's does not guarantee electrical components and suggests having all wiring inspected by a licensed electrician.
"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."

The present lot illuminated the hall of the Tour Arago, located near the Seine, in the neighborhood of La Défense. Conceived by architect Jean de Mailly circa 1961, the building was distinguished by its rectilinear lines and unusual façade, which combined glass and green-coloured panels. Located at the westernmost extremity of Paris, La Défense is Europe’s largest purpose-built business district, composed of several generations of skyscrapers, growing ever taller and more ambitious over time. Since the very end of the 1950s, the goal of La Défense has been to invent a new city where business, life and art can live together. A monumental Calder Stabile, gigantic figures by Miró or a Thumb by César are among the spectacular works of art which have been incorporated in the area. 

At the First Grand Prix de Rome in 1945, Jean de Mailly was one of the emblematic figures of French modernism in architecture, combining a classic aesthetic with functionalism. This philosophy corresponds with Max Ingrand’s own conception of lighting, which was informed by his predecessors’ ideas yet radically modern: “A lighting or element of lighting must answer certain norms. It must adapt itself to the volume of the rooms which it has to light, participate in the spirit and architecture of these rooms in order to fit there. Its shape, material, and radiance must be modulated and conceived in parallel with the architecture, animating its surface while specifying their function“.  Certainly this is the case for the present lot, whose numerous faceted glass elements set into a futurist brass structure present a dynamic contrast to the geometry of the Tour Arago hall.  The radiating arms and the lustre of the materials used impart this chandelier with a dynamism that is quintessential to the work of Ingrand.