Camel Brown Leather and Fluted Brass Desk Lamp, in the style of Jacques Adnet, 1970s

This desk lamp illustrates the rigorous aesthetic of mid-20th-century French luxury leatherwork (gainerie). The structural design relies on a weighted square base, entirely sheathed in smooth camel brown leather, strictly highlighted on its edges with contrasting 'saddle' stitching. The center of the base holds a solid brass cylindrical stem detailed with fine fluting. The piece is crowned by its original short-drum cylindrical lampshade, also wrapped in matching stitched leather. The interior of the shade features a reflective gold finish, technically designed to optimize and warm the downward diffusion of light. The combination of the geometric rigor of brass and the equestrian leather treatment allows this piece to be formally placed in the lineage of Jacques Adnet's creations. Director of the Compagnie des Arts Français from 1928 to 1959, Adnet established himself as a master of luxury modernism. Very good overall condition. The leather displays a natural and subtle patina of use, with no structural alteration or major tears.