Chandelier by Louis Majorelle and Daum Nancy: “Flèche d’eau”

Louis Majorelle’s and Daum’s “Flèche d’eau” Chandelier marks a unification of late neoclassical sensibilities and art nouveau aesthetics. The “Flèche d’eau,” or arrowhead, was one of the favored flowers of the Ecole de Nancy, as it grew in abundance throughout the local river Meurthe. Its leaves remained submerged in the frothing rapids of river bends, forming long ribbons in the deep waters. Majorelle transformed the plant’s flowers, buds, and leaves into elaborate gilt mounts that gently cradle four marmoreal glass shades. The shade mimics the appearance of Rosso Verona marble, a red marble extracted from the hills surrounding S. Ambrogio di Valpolicella in the province of Verona. The stone-like effect was produced using the Intercalaire technique, whereby powdered glass was sprinkled between successive layers.