'FIGURINE ET RAISINS TÊTE LEVÉ', 'FIGURINE ET RAISINS

Details

'FIGURINE ET RAISINS TÊTE LEVÉ', 'FIGURINE ET RAISINS
BRAS LEVÉS',
TWO MOLDED GLASS PANELS
BY RENE LALIQUE, MODEL INTRODUCED IN 1928 FOR THE COMPAGNIE INTERNATIONALE DES WAGONS-LITS

The glass panels of these lamps, depicting Bacchantes amidst stylized grapevines, and the following three lots, were part of the wall decoration designed by Lalique in 1928 for the luxurious dining and salon cars of the 'Côte d'Azur--Pullman Express' line. The construction of this lavish train was a collaborative effort by several noted designers and engineers, including René Prou, the architect Nelson, and René Lalique.

At a later date, these cars formed the famous 'Orient-Express' line, operated by the same 'Wagon Lits' company. More recently, they were used in the filming of the film 'Murder on the Orient-Express', based on the novel by Agatha Christie.

Rectangular, modeled as a woman with her torso turned and arms above her head amidst fruiting grapevines, in a chromed, illuminated mount, decorated with fruiting grapevines
17¾in. (45cm.) high, 5½in. (14cm.) wide, with illuminated base
20¾in. (53in.), 8in. (20.5cm) (2)

Lot Essay

Occasionally Lalique would modify existing models, whether as a 'Christmas Special', type of limited runs, or as a custom made piece for clients or one of his retail outlets. Typical modifications were, for example, converting vases to lamp stands by adding a shade, attaching decorative metal mounts to vases and objects, creating bases for statues, or custom engraving on glass.

cf. Felix Marcilhac, R. Lalique, Catalogue raisonné de l'oeuvre de verre, Les éditions de l'Amateur, Paris, p. 866, nos. 9, 10
C. Vane Percy, The Glass of Lalique: a Collector's Guide, 1977, Blacker, Calmann Cooper Ltd., London, p.117