Nicolas Aubagnac
Collections
PHIDIAS
_floor lamp and reading lamp
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architectural
like a skyscraper
The Phidias lamppost was inspired by the architecture of the famous Empire State Building in New York.
This monument of Art Deco architecture was built in 1931; at the time, it was the tallest building in the world.
This slender and powerful silhouette is also found in the minimalist design of the Phidias floor lamp.
The four wrought iron bars that form the cage of the base meet in the center and extend towards the top of the lamppost.
A subtle detail, a tribute to Art Deco: the stepped cut and the gold leaf decoration.
lampshade: taffeta
Other possible finishes: matte black, silver or copper leaf…
H = 51.20 in or 70.90 in
Eternal gold
The Phidias floor lamp showcases two traditional skills of the Decorative Arts: artistic ironwork and gold leaf decoration on steel.
To decorate this floor lamp, the gilder applies 24-carat gold leaf, 0.000125 millimeters thick, to the metal…
This is how architectural elements on monuments and castle gates are gilded.
The gilder uses a sable brush to pick up each gold leaf without tearing it.
It is a work of patience and precision.
But since gold is incorruptible, the final object will retain its shine forever.
