An elegant and highly decorative late nineteenth-century Art Nouveau patinated bronze figural lamp by the Belgian sculptor Dominique Van den Bossche (1854–1906).

The beautifully modelled female dancer stands gracefully upon a turned Verde marble plinth, her body twisting in a fluid naturalistic pose as she gently restrains an entwined serpent. Richly detailed throughout, the sculpture perfectly captures the flowing lines and organic movement synonymous with the Art Nouveau period. The bronze bears the artist's signature "DOM. Van den. Bossche" to the base.

Originally conceived as both sculpture and functional lighting, the piece successfully combines fine art with decorative design, making it equally suitable as a collector's bronze or an atmospheric statement lamp.

The lamp retains an attractive deep brown patina with warm highlights developed over more than a century. It has been professionally rewired for modern use. The original lamp arm has an historic repair which has been sympathetically restored to a high professional standard; the repair is structurally secure and virtually invisible when displayed.

Examples of Van den Bossche's work appear periodically at European auction houses, although signed figural lamps are encountered far less frequently than his standalone sculptures, making this an appealing and unusual example for collectors of Art Nouveau lighting and sculpture alike.

Condition

The lamp has been professionally rewired and is fully functional for modern use.

Please note that the left arm and the entwined snake were originally manufactured as a separate cast bronze component, allowing the electrical wiring to pass discreetly through the arm during the lamp's original construction. As a result, the lower section of the left arm, together with the snake, is an independent casting that joins the main figure at the point visible on the arm.

This joint has been professionally stabilised and is structurally sound. The small visible parting line at the junction is a consequence of the lamp's original engineering and modern rewiring rather than damage to the bronze itself. It cannot be permanently closed or soldered without risking damage to the concealed electrical cable that passes through the arm. Any attempt to disguise the joint completely would require compromising the wiring and is therefore neither practical nor advisable.

The bronze retains a rich, even patina with only minor age-related wear consistent with its age, and the lamp presents beautifully while remaining fully operational.

Dimensions: height 53cm, depth 17cm, width 13cm

Price breakdown: Art Nouveau bronze nude table lamp - £2170, Courier/Delivery Fee UK MAINLAND ONLY - £80