Gilt Bronze Oval Sunburst Flush Mount attributed to E.F. Caldwell, circa 1904

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Gilt Bronze Oval Sunburst Flush Mount attributed to E.F. Caldwell, circa 1904

About the Item

When you bask in the glow of this massive and remarkable light, consider the historical importance of Edward F. Caldwell's contributions to lighting design: In 1902, with invitations sent for the first state dinner in the newly restored state dining room, President Theodore Roosevelt commissioned Edward Caldwell to design lights worthy of the White House. When the U.S. Senate committee gathered in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel to discuss the sinking of the RMS Titanic, Caldwell was also present, again in the form of his astonishing lights. As theatre-goers took their seats in Radio City Music Hall, they were ushered along by the twinkling Art Deco lights of Caldwell's later career. This round flush mount fixture dates from the height of Caldwell's popularity, and carries with it the starry elegance of his stylistic influence. Featuring 25-lights and weighing in at 80 pounds, this piece is comprised of three cast bronze oval sunbursts and finished in gold-toned fire-gilding. While the size and structure of this flush mount suggest that it was created for commercial or public spaces, early editions of the tiered fixture can be traced to the 1904 residence of banking tycoon J.P. Morgan. Morgan was a staunch supporter of new technologies, and was a patron of both Thomas Edison and Nicola Tesla. In fact, Morgan's 1904 home was the first private residence in the U.S. to be lit entirely by Edison electricity. With this in mind, it is no wonder that Morgan fell in love with Caldwell's remarkable design, which highlighted the radiating power of the greatest technological advance of the period: the light bulb. Now for the practical considerations: in order to hang this fixture, we recommend contracting an electrician who is willing to create a custom installation program. The weight of the light requires a suitable mounting plate, which will need to be developed based on the location of installation.

Attributed to:
Edward F. Caldwell & Co. (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 8 in (20.32 cm)Diameter: 42 in (106.68 cm)
Style:
Neoclassical Revival (Of the Period)
Period:
1900-1909
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1904
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Condition Notes: The finish of this piece is all original -- any wear in the patina only adds to the history and authenticity of the piece. Please review all photos for details.
Seller Location:
Portland, OR
Reference Number:
Seller: R96121stDibs: LU100627121593