Lamp

Jacques Le Chevallier

1926–27 · Aluminum, ebonite · Modern and Contemporary Art

A founding member of the French reform-minded design group Union des Artistes Modernes, Le Chevallier is perhaps best known for the small number of table lamps that he created in the late 1920s. The bulb and socket are not concealed, and the emitted light can be redirected by revolving the lamp. While machinelike, the Cubist-inspired angular planes, exposed screws, and slightly reflective finish achieve a decorative quality. Though less reflective than silver or chrome-plated steel, aluminum was more affordable, increasing its appeal for designers.

Artist

Jacques Le Chevallier

Date

1926–27

Medium

Aluminum, ebonite

Department

Modern and Contemporary Art

Credit line

Purchase, The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation Gift, 2001