Art Deco Chandelier In Silver-plated Bronze And Pressed-molded Glass (circa 1930–1940)

Rare Art Deco Chandelier by Maurice Model — Cristallerie de Verdun, circa 1930A highly elegant and sculptural Art Deco chandelier in silver-plated bronze and press-molded glass, attributable to Maurice Model and his Cristallerie de Verdun, created around 1930.This remarkable piece belongs to the highly original body of work developed by Maurice Jules Model (1900–1973)—a figure who, while still relatively little-known, played a fascinating role in French decorative arts during the interwar period.Maurice Model began his career in Paris in the early 1920s before expanding his business and, most notably, founding the Cristallerie de Verdun on Rue Dame-Zabée in 1928. There, he produced art glass, but specialized particularly in lighting components: bowls, tulip-shaped shades, small dishes, and fixture elements. His work is distinguished by highly modern forms as well as a marked preference for stylized botanical and floral motifs, lending his lighting fixtures a truly unique presence.Model’s glassware is notably found with the signatures "M. Model Verdun," "Verdun," or "Verdun France," while some pieces bear the mark "Primaflore France." The latter is particularly sought-after today; specialized sources link it directly to Maurice Model’s production in Verdun and highlight the rarity of this floral range.Our chandelier perfectly embodies this aesthetic.The exquisitely crafted silver-plated bronze mount displays a rich botanical repertoire around the central section: foliage, flowers, and organic elements punctuate the structure with remarkable decorative opulence. The geometric lines of the central stem and arms—typical of Art Deco—contrast with the profusion of natural motifs, creating the balance so characteristic of Maurice Model’s lighting designs.The glass element is equally captivating. The central bowl and the three satin-finish, molded-pressed glass shades—featuring delicate floral motifs—cast a soft, warm glow. This finely grained frosted glass, which gives the material an almost velvety appearance, is a hallmark of these lighting pieces.