Pair of Rock Crystal and Hand Hammered Chandeliers

In his search for beauty and truth, self-taught sculptor Sylvain Subervie turned from a career in fashion design to a life dedicated to the French decorative arts. Using materials such as wrought iron and rock crystal in his ornamental lighting and geometric abstract sculptures, Subervie creates pieces that express his passion for nature.

Subervie was born in 1950 in Suresnes, France, a small commune in the western suburbs of Paris. He began his professional career as a couture designer. However, he soon became bored with what he called the “ephemeral world of fashion.” He decided to focus his design talents on modern, Art Deco-inspired furniture, debuting his first collection in 1995. Among Subervie’s earliest pieces are his elegant Torch floor lamp and sculptural Pagoda chandelier, both created in 1997.

Subsequent pieces designed in the 2000s also feature Subervie’s signature use of rock crystal elements and hammered wrought iron. These include wall sconces produced with polished rock crystal, the Soucoupe candle holders, the sophisticated Conique table lamp and the stunning Macassar chandelier that is made with 350 carved rock crystal plates.

In addition to his furniture, Subervie is known for his monumental sculptures, such as the 14-foot high, wrought iron Giraffe, the mighty 1,000 Shield Warriors and the Banc de Poissons, which is on permanent display in the city of Cagnes-sur-Mer. A miniaturized version of the sculpture is made for home décor.

The Galerie Marcilhac in Paris represents Subervie. He has participated in several major international fairs, including PAD Paris, La Biennale Paris, Salon Art + Design, Art Cologne and Art Basel Miami Beach.

On 1stDibs, find a range of Sylvain Subervie’s lighting and decorative objects.

Valerie Goodman Gallery was established in 2010 on Manhattan’s Upper East Side with the goal of introducing emerging French artists to American audiences. Valerie Goodman has a unique approach to curating design and art for interiors. She is guided by a deep knowledge of art history and her belief that pieces must be inhabited by the artist who created them. Since its opening the gallery has fostered numerous productive exchanges with interior designers, art collectors, galleries and institutions, carrying out an energetic program promoting meaningful living environments. Its mission is to be a voice for the artists and their concerns.