Christie's Glow Up: Inspired Lighting to Live by
Spanning Art Nouveau masterpieces and mid-century modern icons, these exceptional lighting designs offered in Christie’s Modern Collector do more than brighten an interior; they’re conversation-starters. The sale will present defining works of furniture, lighting and sculptural design online from 25 February to 11 March in New York.
Futuristic and flexible
Jean-Pierre Vitrac (b.1944), Éventail Table Lamp, Model No. 10481, designed 1972. Chrome-plated metal, opaline glass. Estimate: $10,000-15,000. Offered in Modern Collector from 25 February to 11 March 2025 at Christie’s Online
Designed by artist Jean-Pierre Vitrac in 1972, the Éventail Table Lamp embraces the clean, futuristic style for which he became renowned. Made of chromed metal and opaline glass, the lamp is composed of four articulated elements that can be fanned out in a variety of sinuous forms, allowing precise control over the direction and intensity of light.
A chandelier that’s all passion
René Lalique (1860-1945), Passiflore Chandelier, Model No. 2263, 1924. Molded and frosted glass. 31 in (79 cm) long (hanging), 20 in (51 cm) diameter. Estimate: $15,000-20,000. Offered in Modern Collector from 25 February to 11 March 2025 at Christie’s Online
This globe-like chandelier by René Lalique comprises 12 pentagonal plates of glass featuring moulded chrysanthemum designs connected by metal clips. A jeweller and glassmaker who profoundly influenced the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, Lalique created glasswork celebrated for its ornamentation and technical mastery. Named for the passionflower, the chandelier’s frosted finish generates a soft, romantic ambience.
LA modern by way of Sweden
Greta Magnusson-Grossman (1906-1999), Floor Lamp, Model No. 731, c. 1948. Painted aluminum, brass. 51 x 12 x 18 in (129.5 x 30.5 x 45.7 cm). Estimate: $10,000-15,000. Offered in Modern Collector from 25 February to 11 March 2025 at Christie’s Online
Topped by two adjustable bullet-shaped shades, this aluminum and brass floor lamp hails from the oeuvre of Greta Magnusson-Grossman, the trailblazing Swedish designer and architect who brought mid-century Scandinavian sleekness to Los Angeles. Her Rodeo Drive studio attracted celebrity clients including Ingrid Bergman and Greta Garbo.
No wallflower
Émile Gallé. Wisteria table lamp, c. 1925. Cameo glass overlaid and acid-etched, gilt bronze. 23¼ in (59 cm) high, 14½ in (36.8 cm) diameter of shade. Estimate: $40,000-60,000. Offered in Modern Collector from 25 February to 11 March 2025 at Christie’s Online
The Art Nouveau lamps of the French artist Émile Gallé are prized for their glasswork and intricate floral motifs. This Wisteria table lamp showcases the rich colour palette that set Gallé’s work apart. Its stunning yellow shade will be the focal point of any room in which it stands.
Light as sculpture
Félix Agostini (1910-1980), Tentation Floor Lamp, c. 1957. Patinated bronze, cotton shade. 67½ x 17⅜ x 21⅝ in (171.5 x 44 x 55 cm). Estimate: $8,000-12,000. Offered in Modern Collector from 25 February to 11 March 2025 at Christie’s Online
The French designer and artist Félix Agostini brought a sculptor’s sensibility to his lighting works, known for their sinuous, organic lines. Handcrafted from patinated bronze, the slender base of his Tentation floor lamp evokes a twisting branch or vine, adding a touch of surreal whimsy.
A pop of colour
Gaetano Pesce (1939-2024), Salvatore Table Lamp, 1999. Polychrome polyurethane, enameled steel. 27⅞ x 26½ x 8⅞ in (70.7 x 67.3 x 22.5 cm). Estimate: $4,000-6,000. Offered in Modern Collector from 25 February to 11 March 2025 at Christie’s Online
This bright, eccentric design exemplifies the work of Italian architect and artist Gaetano Pesce. Reminiscent of the human form, the Salvatore table lamp is polychromatic, playful and totally unexpected.
Bringing the outside in
Tiffany Studios, Dogwood Lamp Shade, c. 1910. Leaded glass, patinated bronze with a later 'Roman' floor base. 64½ in (163.8 cm) high, 20¼ in (51.5 cm) diameter of shade. Estimate: $10,000-15,000. Offered in Modern Collector from 25 February to 11 March 2025 at Christie’s Online
Works from Tiffany Studios are coveted all over the world for their unparalleled craftsmanship and beauty. This floor lamp’s shade features a spray of dogwood blossoms, a motif that appears throughout Tiffany’s oeuvre. The later ‘Roman’ base accentuates the soft, warm light that filters through the panels of glass.
A table lamp with daring curves
Hervé Van der Straeten (b. 1965), Volubile Table Lamp, NO. 320 GM, 2006. Patinated and polished bronze, paper shade. 26 x 25 x 19 in (65.4 x 74.2x 50.6 cm). Estimate: $8,000-12,000. Offered in Modern Collector from 25 February to 11 March 2025 at Christie’s Online
This Volubile table lamp by Hervé Van der Straeten displays the bold, sculptural aesthetic for which the Belgian designer is famed. Made from patinated and polished bronze, the lamp’s fluid, curvilinear form makes an elegant statement in any room.
Bedecked with Murano beads
Angelo Lelii (1911-1979), Wall Light, Model No. 13075, c. 1970. Murrine hand-blown glass, stainless steel, metal. 21⅛ x 8⅛ x 2¼ in (53.5 x 20.5 x 5.5 cm). Estimate: $3,000-5,000. Offered in Modern Collector from 25 February to 11 March 2025 at Christie’s Online
This rare wall light from Italian artist Angelo Lelii blurs the boundaries of art and design. Adorning a sheet of stainless steel with jewel-like Murano glass beads, Lelii incorporates a variety of colours and geometric patterns in a painting-like composition. Light glows through the beads and seeps out from the sides of the metal surface, casting an ethereal glow.
Click here for the latest Christie's auctions