Each Claude Victor Boeltz piece is glamorous yet retains a richly organic feel that adds a touch of bold sophistication to any interior. This French Surrealist designer popularized a technique he called “exploded bronze” — a process that has the metal components of a given piece appear as if they were liquified and then crystalized after an explosion.
Boeltz was born in Paris in 1937. There were several artists in his family, and Boeltz quickly developed creative interests at an early age. He fell in love with painting, architecture, ceramics and more, but was also intrigued by scientific fields such as geology and anatomy.
Boeltz studied under the sculptor Henri Molins and apprenticed at the Susse Frères and Houdot foundries. Additionally, he enrolled in classes in the evenings at the Boulle School in Paris and the Paris Academy of Art. He frequented museums and found much to appreciate in the work of artists such as Alberto Giacometti, Demetre Chiparus, Salvador Dalí, and Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann.
After moving to the French Riviera, Boeltz became personally acquainted with Pablo Picasso. He worked for a period with Picasso, and in the mid-1960s, he established a foundry in the Loire Valley. By the late 1960s, his work was being noticed around Europe (his works were sold by the likes of Cartier). His turning point came in the early 1970s when he met the sculptor César Baldaccini, whose “compression” pieces inspired Boeltz to experiment with abandon, and his “exploded bronze” technique was born.
Boeltz’s Hollywood Regency-style furnishings — mirrors, candlesticks, picture frames, lamps and even ceiling fixtures — were made with this new process. The designer then worked to decorate these “exploded” pieces with semi-precious stones — often African emeralds — or other luminous materials such as quartz and Murano glass. He subsequently opened two foundries to produce these kinds of works.
In the early 1980s, Boeltz moved his facilities to the United States. He built a large foundry in Nevada, and today, Las Vegas hotels now house many of his works. His collectors have also included Salvador Dalí, Baron Rothschild and others.
On 1stDibs, find Claude Victor Boeltz decorative items, lighting, serveware and more.
Pair of Exploded Bronze & 24K Gold w/ Rock Crystal Table Lamps by Claude Boeltz
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pair of modernist table lamps by Claude Boeltz hails from France and exemplifies the innovative design sensibilities of the 20th century. Each lamp features an exploded...
Rock Crystal, Gold, Bronze
Claude Boeltz 24kt Gold Plated Exploded Bronze V-Shape Sconces w/ Rock Crystals
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and sophisticated pair of modernist sconces were realized by the celebrated French artist Claude Boeltz. They feature graphic organic forms- recalling both oceanic and ...
Rock Crystal, Gold, Bronze
Pair of Modernist Sconces in Exploded 24K Gilt Bronze & Crystal by Claude Boeltz
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Pair of Modernist Sconces in Exploded 24K Gilt Bronze & Crystal by Claude Boeltz originates from France during the 21st Century. Featuring a cluster of quartz crystals ...
Crystal, Gold, Bronze
Claude Boeltz Exploded Bronze & 24-Karat Gold Sunburst Flush Mount Chandelier
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and dramatic flush mount was hand crafted by the esteemed artist Claude Boeltz in France. It features an expressionistic sunburst pattern realized in two rows of exploded bronze...
Gold, Bronze
Modernist 24 Karat Gold & Exploded Starburst Sconce W/ Quartz by Claude Boeltz
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in New York, NY
This spectacular Modernist 24 Karat Gold & Exploded Bronze Starburst Sconce W/Quartz Crystal by Claude Boeltz originates from France during the latter half of the 20th Century. Featu...
Quartz, Gold, Bronze
Claude Victor Boeltz 24-Karat Gold Plated 'Exploded' Table Lamp
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in Hastings, GB
Claude Victor Boeltz sculptural 24-karat gold plated 'exploded' table lamp with eagle and rock crystal inclusions An incredible statement piece The natural rock quartz crystal wands...
Bronze
Large table lamp by Claude Victor Boeltz, Paris, France, circa 1980
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in Paris, FR
Large table lamp in “exploded” bronze gilded with fine gold. Gold-plated brass frame. It supports a block of rock crystal. Original lampshade. Biography Claude Victor Boeltz, Franc...
Rock Crystal, Gold, Bronze
$1,669Sale Price|57% Off
CLAUDE VICTOR BOELTZ 70's French 'exploded bronze' lamp
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in Sherborne, GB
CLAUDE VICTOR BOELTZ Sculptural golden gilt-plated exploded bronze lamp with rock crystal inclusions. The natural rock quartz crystal wands are set into t...
Agate, Rock Crystal, Brass, Bronze
Pair of Modernist Sconces in Exploded 24K Gilt Bronze & Crystal by Claude Boeltz
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in New York, NY
This stunningly ornate Pair of Modernist Sconces in Exploded 24Karat Gilt Bronze and Quartz Crystal is by the esteemed artist and designer Claude Boeltz and originates from France du...
Crystal, Gold, Bronze
Large Gilt Bronze and Dioptase Lamp Picture Frame by Boeltz, France, 1970s
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Tall model of photo picture or drawing frame light lamp in gilt bronze and dioptase stone by the french artist Claude Victor Boeltz.
Quartz, Stone, Bronze
Bronze Éclaté Gilded Bronze Table Lamp by Claude Victor Boeltz
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in Montreal, QC
Bronze Éclaté gilded bronze Table lamp by Claude Victor Boeltz inset with an amethyst quartz Signed on plate: "Made in France Boeltz Paris". Dimensions of lamp without lamp shade H:2...
Bronze
$6,397Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pair of Horse Claude Victor Boeltz 1980 Gold Bronze Crystal French Table Lamps
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in New York, NY
A luxurious gold dore bronze and rock crystal horse table lamps. The gold bronze sculptures are on polished brass bases and they have complimentary ...
Rock Crystal, Gold, Brass, Bronze
Claude Victor Boeltz 24 Karat Gold-Plated 'Exploded' Photograph Frame
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in Hastings, GB
Claude Victor Boeltz sculptural 24-karat gold-plated exploded photograph frame with lamp and rock crystal inclusions. The natural rock quartz crystal wands...
Bronze
Desk lamp with photo holder in gilded bronze by C. V. Boeltz France circa 1980
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful lamp with photo holder in exploded bronze gilded in 24 K fine gold, supporting numerous rock crystals. Biography Claude Victor Boeltz, France (1937) Claude-Victor Boeltz,...
Rock Crystal, Gold Plate, Bronze
$1,400
H 12.21 in W 11.42 in D 7.88 in
Ceramic, Stoneware Table Lamp by Danish Artist Ole Victor, 2021
By Arne Bang, Axel Salto, Gertrud Vasegaard
Located in Odense, DK
Ceramic table lamp with glaze in various white, beige and brown colors, made by Danish artist Ole Victor, 2021. Ole Victor is a Danish artist who attended Art Academy between 1975 ...
Ceramic
Natural Smoky Quartz Sconces by Phoenix
Located in New York, NY
Pair of natural smoky rock crystal sconces with antique brass backplates. Created by Phoenix Gallery, NYC. Each sconce installs 2 sockets. Use 2 LED warm lights. 60 watts each light ...
Rock Crystal
Pair of Cubic Style Rock Crystal Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A pair of rose quartz rock crystal table lamps with polish brass base and insert decorations. By Phoenix Gallery NYC. The height to the top of the rock crystal is 18.5" in.
Pair of Stacked Diamond Rock Crystal Table Lamps
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Pair of rock crystal tables lamps with stacked diamond design and nickel hardware.
Rock Crystal
Murano Multicolor Flush Mount
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian flush mount or wall light with a frosted Murano glass shade decorated with blue green and purple ribbing / Made in Italy by Venini, circa 1960s Measures: diameter 8.5...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Trio Shade Flush Mount
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian midcentury flush mount with 3 smoky Murano glass shades mounted on solid brass frame in satin brass finish / Made in Italy 3 lights / E12 or E14 type / max 40W each Measures:...
Brass
$2,900 / set
H 19.5 in W 11.5 in D 5.5 in
Pair of Gilt Bronze and Crystal Two Light Sconces by Sterling Bronze Co. N.Y
By Sterling Bronze Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This fine pair of sconces by The Sterling Bronze Co. have there original finish and prisms and are newly wired.
Crystal, Bronze
Pair Of Gilt Bronze And Crystal Wall Sconces
Located in Norwood, NJ
Pair of French Louis XV style gilt bronze and crystal two arm wall sconces. High quality with a stylish classical feel.
Crystal, Bronze
$6,984
H 14.97 in W 14.97 in D 6.7 in
Large Gilt Bronze and Dioptase Lamp Picture Frame by Boeltz, France, 1970s
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Tall model of photo picture or drawing frame light lamp in gilt bronze and dioptase stone by the french artist Claude Victor Boeltz.
Quartz, Stone, Bronze
$7,475
H 34.5 in Dm 10 in
Pair of Modern Hand Blown Murano Green Glass Table Lamps w/ 24 Karat Gold Flecks
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pair of table lamps were handblown in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. They feature tear d...
Gold Leaf
Pink Quartz Bubble Sconces by Phoenix
Located in New York, NY
Pair of pink quartz bubble sconces with the polished brass finishes. Created by Phoenix gallery NYC. Each sconce installed four sockets. Use four 6...
Rock Crystal
$7,475 / set
H 31.5 in Dm 14.5 in
Modernist Hand-Blown Murano Glass Table Lamps in Green Gold w/ 24k Gold Flecks
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pair of table lamps were handblown in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production. They feature undula...
Gold
Sold
H 43.31 in W 39.38 in D 40.56 in
Claude Victor Boeltz “Arbre Magique” Illuminated Gilt Bronze and Amethyst Sculpt
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in TOURCOING, FR
Claude Victor Boeltz “Arbre Magique” Illuminated Gilt Bronze and Amethyst Sculpture, 1970s A visually arresting and rare illuminated sculptural work by French artist Claude Victor Bo...
Amethyst, Bronze
Pair of Gilt Bronze Amethyst Lamps by Boeltz, France, 1970s
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Mid-Century Modern Artistical sculptural rare pair of gilt bronze and Amethyst stone lamps by the artist Claude Victor Boeltz. Unusual technic called by the artist Explosed bronze. S...
Amethyst, Bronze
Sold
H 15.75 in W 14.18 in D 4.73 in
Desk lamp with photo holder in gilded bronze by C. V. Boeltz France circa 1980
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful lamp with photo holder in exploded bronze gilded in 24 K fine gold, supporting numerous rock crystals. Biography Claude Victor Boeltz, France (1937) Claude-Victor Boeltz,...
Rock Crystal, Gold Plate, Bronze
Sold
H 15.75 in W 11.82 in D 5.91 in
Rare pair of lighting sconces Nautiles by C. V. Boeltz Paris France circa 1980
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in Paris, FR
They are made in gilded bronze, molded for the seashell and exploded and gilded bronze for the rest.
Bronze
Claude Boeltz Exploded Bronze & 24-Karat Gold Sunburst Flush Mount Chandelier
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and dramatic flush mount was hand crafted by the esteemed artist Claude Boeltz in France. It features an expressionistic sunburst pattern realized in two rows of exploded bronze...
Gold, Bronze
Sold
H 42.13 in W 8.67 in D 5.52 in
Pair of Gilt Bronze Murano Glass Sconces by Claude Victor Boeltz, France, 1970s
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Rare and large pair of gilt bronze wall lamps lights sconces, murano glass diffusor. Unique and singular technique used by Boeltz and called by him "Explose Bronze". Artistical work,...
Bronze
Brass Chandelier
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in Saint-Ouen (PARIS), FR
Chandelier in brass and white glass globes.
Brass
Sold
H 47 in W 6.25 in D 4 in
Pair of Claude Boeltz 24-Kt Gold Plated Exploded Bronze & Textured Glass Sconces
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and sophisticated pair of modernist sconces were realized by the celebrated French artist Claude Boeltz. They feature graphic organic forms- recalling both oceanic and ...
Bronze
Large Gilt Bronze and Quartz Lamp Frame by Boeltz, France, 1970s
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Tall model of photo picture or drawing frame light lamp in gilt bronze and quartz rock crystal stone by the french artist Claude Victor Boeltz. Sign on back Boeltz Paris Made in France.
Quartz, Bronze
Sold
H 21.25 in W 7.5 in D 5.5 in
Pair of Claude Boeltz 24kt Gold-Plated Exploded Bronze Sconces w/ Rock Crystals
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and sophisticated pair of modernist sconces were realized by the celebrated French artist Claude Boeltz. They feature graphic organic forms- recalling both oceanic and ...
Rock Crystal, Gold, Bronze
Sold
H 35.44 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Gilt Bronze Lamp with Rock Crystal and Brass by Boeltz, France, 1970s
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Large gilt bronze lamp with rock crystal and brass stone by Claude Victor Boeltz, technics used is explose bronze. Demo shade not included. Measureme...
Rock Crystal, Brass, Bronze
Table lamp with photo holder. Claude Victor Boeltz. France 1970
By Claude Victor Boeltz
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful lamp with photo holder in exploded bronze gilded in 24 K fine gold, supporting numerous rock crystals. Claude-Victor Boeltz, born in 1937 in Paris Complete artist (scul...
Gold Plate, Bronze