RATIONAL LIGHTING by Robert Mathieu

Robert Mathieu

8200

10

Caroline ManceauPascal CuisinierJean-Jaques Aillagon

An exquisite catalogue raisonn on the notoriously collectible lamps of Frances premier midcentury lighting designer.

Robert Mathieu (19212002) was one of the greatest designers of French lighting, though he remains little known to the general public todaylargely because of the sheer rarity of his pieces, which are highly sought after by collectors. Unlike most lighting designers, Mathieu not only designed but also produced his lighting works in his Parisian studio, in a very limited quantitysometimes less than eight copies. Mathieu is remarkable for both his uniquely fecund imaginationhe designed more than 200 modelsas well as the consistent high quality of his pieces (his pieces remain in perfect condition today)

Ten years in the making, this exquisite catalog presents all the known models of this lighting artistmany of which have never been seenillustrated with ample studio photographs as well as other images from his life and career. All stages of his work are accounted for, from his early use of brass rod structures and double lamp shades to his later transition to lacquered aluminum reflectors. Regardless of his material or technique of choice, Mathieus aesthetic preference for pure and supple lines shines through.