lamp

Date1900

Mediumglass

Dimensions23 × 22 1/2 × 5 in. (58.4 × 57.2 × 12.7 cm)

ClassificationsFurnishings

Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, gift of George and Jacqueline Otero

Object numberPC1996.44.5

DescriptionThis gas lamp, originating from 1900, appears to be a two-branch lamp, possibly specialized for desk or table placement. The overall form is reminiscent of a scale or balance, with a central, vertical piece, supporting two extending sides. The lamp reflects the early nineteenth-century to about 1901 Victorian-era style through its seemingly solid brass or bronze construction. The bottom of the lamp encompasses a bell-shaped base with a raised line contouring its shape. The base holds up the main vertical support, with a small, rounded, plate-shaped embellishment towards the top of the support. Just above the small plate piece sits a spherical portion, topped with a small, rounded finial. Emerging from the sphere piece are two protruding arms, reminiscent of bike handles, forming an outstretched "U" shape, with each end pointing downwards. A small looped piece sits in the middle of either arm, possibly a knob of some kind, while also showcasing a small, rounded finial attached to the bottom. Moving to the ends of the arms, a thin, partially flattened "U"-shaped piece hangs off, likely a space for the lampshade to sit. The ends of the hanging portion are reminiscent of the shape of the end of a wrench tool. This lamp may have been utilized in the home, based on its design, which appears like it could be placed on a desk or shelf for display, as gas lamps gained further widespread domestic and public usage, dating back to the early nineteenth century, preceding the eventual shift to the popularized usage of electricity in the late twentieth century.

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