La Perla Alabaster Birth of Venus Table Lamp by Umberto Stiaccini

La Perla; The Pearl 

A mesmerizing alabaster table lamp depicting the birth of venus by Umberto Stiaccini. Three winged putti stand on a piece of coral as they carry a scallop shell out of the sea, hoisting it above their heads. A resting figure of Venus reclines within, with bent arms framing her soft face, appearing as if she is stretching before she opens her eyes for the first time. Her long locks cascade from the freshly cracked shell, along with a leg and the draped fabric that cradled her while she formed within the shell; a perfect pearl plucked from the sea. 

In ancient Greek tales, Venus is a goddess born from the sea. Entering this world via a fresh oyster, so she herself is considered a pearl; associated with beauty, love and purity. The depiction of Venus within a fluted scallop shell was a popular painting subject, with the most famous rendition being Sandro Botticelli's Birth of Venus from 1485. 

Three lights are cleverly placed between her back and the open shell, with the thinner fluted sections of the shell becoming slightly translucent when illuminated. 

Signed "U. Stiaccini" (on reverse).

Date: Circa 1900

Style: Art nouveau

Hand Carved Alabaster

24" H x 18" W x 13" D