Lamp-worked Glass Figures. 18th Century. Nevers, France(poss. Pierre Haly Workshop)

Virgin Mary with Christ Child and Scepter 7.5” high

St. Barbara with Palm Frond 7.5” high

St. Peter with Keys. 8” high

These figures were created by the process of lamp-working or flame-working glass. This technique arrived in France from Italy, when Venetian craftsmen emigrated to the Loire Valley in the 16th century. The earliest creations were primarily scientific instruments and glass eyes in addition to producing colored rods for other developing glass centers throughout Europe. The earliest know record of figurative glass in France dates to 1603, having been commissioned by King Henry IV for the Dauphin(Louis XIII).

Sculptures such as these were classified as verre de Nevers and the artist as émailleurs or souffleurs à la lampe. Each piece begins with a central iron armature and thinner copper wires to support more delicate areas. The glass rods are then melted with an open flame and applied to the wires to create the desired colors and shapes. Many of the wires were pre-coated with glass and then heated again to adhere to the form. Solid glass details (fingers, eyes, etc.)would refine and animate the figures.Known for religious themes and historical figures, they most likely were made in the #18thcentury workshop of Pierre Haly.

Ref: Robert Lehman Collection, Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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