Jugendstil Table lamp — “Snake tamer”
This impressive Art Nouveau table lamp was designed by the Slovenian sculptor Ivan Zajec (1869–1952) and cast by the renowned Kunst Erzgiesserei foundry in Vienna. The lamp features a graceful female figure elegantly entwined by a snake coiling around her body. Above her head, the snake’s mouth is open, housing a discreet E10 socket that casts a gentle light over the finely modeled face of the woman.
She wears a refined, flowing gown with bare feet peeking out beneath. Her hairstyle evokes an exotic character reminiscent of the fascination with ancient Egypt—a beloved theme in the Art Nouveau aesthetic around the turn of the century.
The bronze sculpture is exceptionally well cast, showcasing outstanding detailing in her facial features, the folds of the gown, and the musculature of the snake. This combination of symbolism, refinement, and craftsmanship makes the lamp a masterpiece of Jugendstil bronze sculpture.
Provenance and museum Reference
An identical lamp is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Slovenia in Ljubljana, titled “Snake Tamer”. See: National Gallery of Slovenia.
About Ivan Zajec
Ivan Zajec was a leading Slovenian sculptor who studied in Ljubljana and later at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. His work combines classical sculptural traditions with Symbolist and Art Nouveau elements. He gained international recognition and contributed to both public monuments and refined interior objects such as this lamp.
About Kunst Erzgiesserei, Wenen
The Kunst Erzgiesserei foundry in Vienna was one of the most prestigious bronze foundries at the beginning of the 20th century. They collaborated with leading artists and architects of the Viennese Secession and the broader Art Nouveau movement, including designers such as Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser. The foundry was renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and technical mastery.
Price: € 3100,-
