The recent auction at Sotheby’s modern art evening sale saw a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed double-pedestal lamp fetch a staggering $7.5 million, making it the most valuable piece by the renowned American architect to ever sell at auction. This lamp, measuring 23-by-32 inches, surpassed its high estimate and more than tripled its previous sale price of $1.98 million back in 2002. The bidding war for this unique piece lasted 11 minutes before it was acquired by a phone bidder through Sotheby’s Chairman Jodi Pollack.
The astronomical sale price of the lamp may come as a surprise to many, as such high figures are usually associated with Wright-designed landmarks and properties in the real estate market. However, the lamp’s exceptional value can be attributed to Wright’s holistic approach to design, as explained by Eric Rogers, a spokesperson for the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy. Wright was not just an architect; he created complete environments that included furniture, lighting, textiles, and art glass.
The lamp itself features opalescent grid-like glass panels, an overhanging shade, and intricate figures of local sumac on its pedestals. It originates from a significant residential project that Wright undertook for Susan Lawrence Dana, a progressive socialite, at the turn of the 20th century. When Dana commissioned Wright to remodel her father’s home in Springfield, Illinois, the result was not just a building but a masterpiece of art.
The Dana house, completed in 1904 after a two-year reconstruction, now stands as a 12,000 square-foot public museum maintained by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Adorned with over 100 custom pieces of furniture and more than 450 patterned art glass windows, doors, and lighting fixtures, the house is a testament to Wright’s artistic vision.
Notably, Wright designed a pair of double-pedestal lamps for the Dana house, with one now sold at auction and another on display at the museum. These lamps feature natural motifs and earth tones that complement the house’s glass paneling, possibly inspired by traditional Japanese screens. Wright’s fascination with Japanese art and architecture is well-documented, and his encounters with Japanese design elements greatly influenced his work.
The sale of the lamp highlights the active market for Wright-designed objects, prompting the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy to emphasize the importance of documenting and preserving these items. The conservancy aims to safeguard Wright’s complete visions and ensure that his built works are valued and preserved as part of our artistic and architectural heritage.
In conclusion, the sale of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed double-pedestal lamp at Sotheby’s signifies the enduring appeal and value of Wright’s innovative designs. This extraordinary piece not only showcases Wright’s creativity and craftsmanship but also underscores the importance of protecting and honoring his architectural legacy. The global pandemic has brought about many changes in our daily lives, from the way we work and socialize to the way we shop and travel. One of the most significant changes has been the shift towards online shopping, as more and more people are opting to shop from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
Online shopping has been on the rise for years, but the pandemic has accelerated this trend as people look for ways to avoid crowded stores and minimize their exposure to the virus. According to a recent survey, online shopping has increased by 30% since the start of the pandemic, with more and more people turning to e-commerce platforms for their shopping needs.
There are many reasons why online shopping has become so popular during the pandemic. For one, it offers a convenient and hassle-free way to shop, allowing people to browse and purchase items from the comfort of their own homes. This is especially appealing to those who are immunocompromised or at high risk for the virus, as it allows them to avoid crowded places and reduce their chances of exposure.
Additionally, online shopping offers a wider range of products and brands than traditional brick-and-mortar stores, giving consumers more options to choose from. This is particularly important during the pandemic, as some stores may have limited stock or be closed altogether. Online shopping also allows for easy price comparison, ensuring that consumers get the best deals on the products they want to purchase.
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Despite the many benefits of online shopping, there are also some challenges that come with this shift. One of the main concerns is the impact on small businesses and local retailers, who may struggle to compete with larger e-commerce platforms. In order to support these businesses, consumers are encouraged to shop locally and support small businesses in their communities.
Additionally, there are concerns about the environmental impact of online shopping, particularly in terms of packaging and shipping. As more people turn to online shopping, there is a corresponding increase in the amount of packaging waste generated and carbon emissions from shipping. To mitigate these impacts, consumers are encouraged to choose sustainable packaging options and consolidate their orders to reduce the number of deliveries.
Overall, the rise of online shopping during the pandemic has had a profound impact on the retail industry and consumer behavior. While there are challenges to navigate, such as supporting small businesses and reducing environmental impacts, online shopping offers a convenient and safe way to shop during these uncertain times. As the world continues to adapt to the new normal, online shopping is likely to remain a popular choice for consumers looking for a convenient and safe way to shop.
