Daum

French, est. 1878

Lamp, c. 1900–1910

glass, wrought iron

43.5 x 19.7 x 18.3 cm

Collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery; Gift of Mrs. M. Rabinovitch in memory of Beatrice Arkin

G-85-592 ab

Categories:

Glass, Decorative Arts Glass

In 1878 lawyer Jean Daum (1825–1885) assumed ownership of a glass factory near Nancy, France, as repayment of a debt. The Daum glassworks thrived under the leadership of his sons Auguste (1853–1909) and Antonin (1864–1930). Originally, the manufacturer concentrated on more industrial and commercial production (tavern glassware and window glass), but by 1889 the factory was experimenting with tablewares, confident enough to showcase them at the 1889 Paris Exhibition. It was there that the Daum brothers encountered the work of fellow Nancy glassmaker Emile Gallé, whose Art Nouveau aesthetic greatly affected their work. The WAG piece is evidence of that influence. Daum followed Gallé’s technique of layering coloured glass, and then acid etching and wheel grinding the surfaces. The result is a rich autumnal landscape scene that continues from the shade down the shaft of the lamp.