94 - François Raoul Larche (1860–1912)

François Raoul Larche (1860–1912) “La danse” Lamp (Loïe Fuller) Model created around 1900; produced by Siot-Decauville beginning in 1900 Gilded bronze, electrified Signed “RAOUL LARCHE” Bears the foundry mark “SIOT DECAUVILLE FONDEUR PARIS” H. 33 cm The lamps by sculptor Raoul Larche depict a movement from the famous “Serpentine Dance” by the renowned dancer Loïe Fuller. The American artist described it as follows: “My dress was so long that I kept stepping on it; instinctively, I would grab it with both hands and raise my arms in the air the entire time I flitted across the stage like a spirit.” Related work: -Raoul Larche, Desk Lamp (Loïe Fuller), c. 1900, gilded bronze, signed “Raoul Larche,” cast by Siot-Decauville, H. 33 cm, Paris, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, inv. 33760. Related literature: -Siot-Decauville Fondeur Editeur, Bronzes & objets d’art: Exposition Universelle 1900, Grand Prix, Paris, p. 62. -Loïe Fuller: The Muse of Art Nouveau, exhibition catalog, Nancy, Musée des Beaux-Arts, May 17–August 19, 2002, Musée de l’École de Nancy, Paris, RMN, 2002, p. 67 -Arthur Willi, “The Multiple in the Work of Raoul Larche,” research thesis supervised by Jérémie Cerman, Paris, Sorbonne, 2021, model listed under Cat. No. 24, pp. 81–82.