Lot Essay
Marie Zimmermann studied at the Art Students' League from 1899-1901 and at the Pratt Institute from 1901-03. She exhibited work to much acclaim in 1915-16 at Ehrich Galleries in New York. By 1916, she established a studio at the National Arts Club. Zimmermann drew upon historical styles, worked with a variety of metals and was known particularly for her experimentation with varied patinas and colors. Zimmermann was one of the most successful American female silversmiths, counting the Montgomery Ward and Levi-Strauss families as clients, and producing numerous architectural metalwork commissions. Her metalworking career ended in the 1930s. (See: Kirkham, Women Designers, p.p. 231-32; Kaplan, The Arts and Crafts Movement in America, p. 270; Kardon, The Ideal Home, p. 252). A Zimmermann water pitcher sold at Christie's, New York, 16 January 2004, lot 48