MAURICE DUFRÈNE, CIRCA 1913

This remarkable chandelier was designed by Maurice Dufrène for Paul Watel of whom relatively little is known. What is certain is that in 1913 Watel moved into a new building designed by André Granet, the son-in-law of Gustave Eiffel, on the rue Marceau. His apartment was equipped with every modern convenience -- from electricity to central heating and filtered water. Dufrène, a leading decorator of the day, was charged with creating a suitably impressive interior. Trained at the Maison Moderne from 1889, he was a founding member of the Société des Artistes Décorateurs and was noted for his distinctive and progressive style. The chandelier was undoubtedly the highlight of the apartment and the unusual choice of material, the dramatic size and singular pierced decoration (so like the work of later designers such as Prouvé) attest to his avant-garde approach.