DUBREUIL André

DUBREUIL André

André DUBREUIL (1951–2022)

Pair of Piriform Photophore Lamps, 1988–1989

An exceptional and highly decorative pair of piriform Photophore lamps by French designer and artist André Dubreuil (1951–2022), created in France circa 1988–1989.

Welded wrought iron and crystal rock beads.

Each lamp is conceived as an elegant pear-shaped structure composed of a central candle holder surrounded by eight gracefully curving wrought-iron vines. The sculptural framework is richly embellished with crystal rock beads, creating a remarkable interplay between metal, crystal and light. When illuminated, the crystal elements capture and reflect the light, emphasizing the extraordinary three-dimensional quality of Dubreuil’s design.

These Andre Dubreuil Lamps-Photophores perfectly illustrate the imaginative and highly distinctive vocabulary that established André Dubreuil as one of the most original figures of late twentieth-century French decorative arts. Combining traditional craftsmanship with fantasy, theatricality and sculptural experimentation, Dubreuil created furniture and objects that deliberately challenged conventional distinctions between fine art and design.

André Dubreuil passed away in 2022. We were particularly fortunate to have had the opportunity to speak with the artist personally on several occasions regarding this pair. A few of the original crystal elements were missing when the lamps entered our collection, and Dubreuil generously assisted us in locating the appropriate replacements and personally provided the necessary crystal pieces. This direct involvement by the artist represents an important and particularly meaningful part of the history of this pair.

Today, examples of this particular Photophore model are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. Whenever examples appear on the market, they attract considerable interest and frequently draw multiple collectors and bidders, reflecting the growing appreciation for Dubreuil’s most distinctive and recognizable creations.

This pair of Andre Dubreuil Lamps are Rewired for use in the United States.

France, 1988–1989

Provenance: Sotheby’s Olympia, June 3, 2004; Estate of David Copley, Borrego Springs, California.

Other André Dubreuil works in our collection.

Price : Upon Request

Materials / Techniques: Iron and glass