Marc D’Haenens, Boat wall lamp, Circa 1970, gilded brass and agate, Belgium

This monumental sconce is somewhere between a wall lamp and a sculpture. The frame is made of gilded brass pieces soldered together, encircling an agate bowl. This atypical piece represents a boat with multiple sails. It is composed of gilded brass and agate, two materials often used by artist Marc D’Haenens in his various works. Designed by D’Haenens in the 1970s, it is a wall lamp with an electrical system at the back. The piece is signed by the artist on the far right. This piece is used as a sconce, emitting light through the transparency of the agate, revealing a beautiful cameo of pink-purple. It’s a piece that stands on its own, serving as both decoration and light. Marc D’Haenens is a late 20th-century designer from Belgium. His materials of choice are gilded brass and agate. He is an artist who always strives to create unique, monumental sculptures. He tends to draw inspiration from artists such as Ado Chale. The latter, born Adolphe Pelsener in Brussels in 1928, has a strong interest in mineralogy. He uses semi-precious stones to illuminate artist’s furniture, making it precious and innovative.