L.081

A typical figural lamp from France with a large male figure made of cast zinc, which is mounted on a turned wooden base. Made probably around 1900-1910.

The figure is designed and signed by the French sculptor Ernest Rancoulet (1870-1915) and is titled "Rencontre à la Fontaine" (= meeting at the fountain). Obviously this lamp was part of a pair of lamps, and the other lamp had a female figure, probably at a fountain. In addition, the figure bears a small brass plaque on the bottom with the inscription: Fabrication Française - Paris - Made in France (a foundry in Paris - late 19th to early 20th century).

The patina layer on the figure is in poor condition: the paint has peeled off in places. In addition, the figure was covered by someone with a gloss varnish in an amateurish manner, but it has also partially flaked off. As a result, the figure has lost a lot of charisma. Nevertheless, I refrained from a new patination.

The wooden base was badly damaged; it had serious water damage and therefore had to be carefully repaired and painted.

A matching tulip shade from the French glass manufacturer Vianne completed the lamp.

Lamp Data

Added by me:
Glass chimney, tulip shade and globe holder.

Cleaning and repairs:
The damaged wooden base was re-glued, filled, painted and varnished. I didn't make any changes to the figure's finish.

Lamp body:
Wooden base made of turned and lacquered wood, with title plate made of brass. Ø 159 mm.
Beautifully modelled, finely cast male figure by Ernest Rancoulet made of zinc alloy, bronzed, titled "Rencontre à la Fontaine" (= meeting at the fountain), mounted with a brass ring on the wooden base. The artist's signature (barely legible under layers of lacquer) and a plaque from the foundry placed on the base of the figure.
Font of Baccarat made of colourless, clear crystal glass, with two rows of olive cuts, Ø 151 mm.

Burner:
15’’’ Matador burner of Ehrich & Graetz, Berlin.
Wick knob marked: Matador 15’’’. Dark blue glass inlay.
Burner marked: 15’’’ Matadorbrenner.
Original flame disc with hat on sieve tube, marked: 15’’’ Matador.
Flat wick 74 mm.

Glass chimney:
15’’’ Matador chimney. Height 266 mm, Ø fitter 54 mm.
Marked: Cristal de Bohême - Importe de Tchécoslovaquie - 15’’’ Matador.

Shade and shade holder:
Tulip shade by Vianne (signed on the glass), frosted glass, pink-coloured above, colourless below, transparent motifs, fluted top rim, lipped fitter.
Height 140 mm, Ø fitter 99 and top rim 205 mm.
100 mm globe holder for 14’’’/15’’’ burners.

Lamp dimensions:
Height up to collar 61.6 cm, total height with chimney 92.8 cm.
Total weight 3720 g.