Michel Zadounaïsky was well known in his own time, and is duly recognized today, for his meticulous execution of wrought iron furnishings and artwork. Having learned the trade at a very young age, he became devoted to the medium, eventually attracting the attention of the wealthy French elite of the 1920s and 1930s. The artist’s level of craftsmanship and intriguing designs single him out as one of the most unique and expressive voices of the French Art Deco. Zadounaïsky was born in Odessa, a Black Sea port of the Russian Empire, in 1903. In 1916, when Zadounaïsky was only 13 years old, he and his parents emigrated to Lyon, France. Rebellious to the core, Zadounaïsky ran away from home three years later to attend the Beaux-Arts de Lyon. Though he quit after less than a year, the artist was able to make lasting connections with Art Nouveau contemporaries such as André Sornay, Claudius Linossier and Christian Krass. Out on his own, Zadounaïsky was intent to learn the art of blacksmithing. Devoting four years to the craft, and apprenticing with the Fournet chandelier makers, he was finally able to open his own enterprise. Going into business for himself, Zadounaïsky was able to explore his artistic leanings. During the 1920s, he developed his well known style, characterized by curves, interlacing patterns and sharp points. Zadounaïsky was heavily interested in animal motifs—particularly snakes—and this left a large impact on his body of work. Zadounaïsky’s work gained recognition as he continued to create singular pieces which were bold and functional. Considering himself a true craftsman, Zadounaïsky was involved in all stages of production, from drafting to fabrication. The artist’s work gained recognition from as monumental a contemporary as Raymond Subes, who extended several offers of employment and collaboration. Just like his contemporaries, Zadounaïsky was active in exhibiting his works. At the 13th Salon des Tuileries in 1935, his pieces were noticed by Ferdinand-Antoine, the Viscount de Lacroix-Laval. The nobleman’s enthusiasm for the artist’s work led him to commission Zadounaïsky to create several pieces of lighting for his chateau at Noailles in south-central France. Zadounaïsky died in 1983, but his designs remain as a legacy of his genius. Many of his creations are fixtures in the market as examples of Art Deco wrought iron mastery.
Michel Zadounaisky, Sconces '2', France, 1950
By Michel Zadounaïsky
Located in PARIS, FR
Pair of wrought iron sconces hammered with three stems and body of volutes and interlaces. By Michel ZADOUNAISKY (1903 - 1983). Signed in the front. Very good condition. Slight ...
Wrought Iron
Michel ZADOUNAISKY (1903 - 1983), Chandelier, France 1950s
By Michel Zadounaïsky
Located in PARIS, FR
Wrought iron chandelier by Michel ZADOUNAISKY (1903 - 1983), hammered, with nine arms. Body of volutes and interlaces joined by a central strut with hammered palmettes decoration wit...
Wrought Iron
Chrystiane Charles for Maison Charles, Pair of Orchid Wall Lights, France 1980s
By Maison Charles, Chrystiane Charles
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb Maison Charles Orchid wall light sconces in golden polished brass, designed by Chrystiane Charles in the 1980s. Numbered 022 and 023. Signed Charles on the sconces and Maison ...
Brass
Schneider, Art Deco Chandelier, France 1920s
By Charles Schneider
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb Charles Schneider art deco chandelier suspension from the 1920s. Ironwork decorations of roses and geometric forms in the Edgar Brandt style. Molded glass with decorations of ...
Iron
Arlus, Set of Two Column Chandeliers in Plaster, France Mid-Century Modern
By Arlus
Located in PARIS, FR
Set of two superb plaster and iron frame mid-century modern chandeliers by Arlus, France 1950s. Decorations of columns and alternations of flowing and jagged edges. Stamped by the ma...
Plaster
Christofle, Pair of Rocaille Candelabras, France 19th Century
By Christofle
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb pair of 19th century Christofle Rococo/Rocaille/Louis XV silver-plated candelabra. Very good condition. Oxidation. Dimensions in cm ( H x D ) : 46 x 33 Secure shipping
Metal, Silver Plate
Michel Zadounaïsky 1903-1983 (attributed to) pair of wrought iron, lacquered
By Michel Zadounaïsky
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Michel Zadounaïsky 1903-1983 (attributed to) pair of wrought iron, lacquered and gilded iron sconces, baccarat crystal cup
Crystal, Wrought Iron
Zadounaïsky Suite of 4 Art Deco Wall Lights
By Michel Zadounaïsky
Located in NANTES, FR
Zadounaïsky Suite of 4 Art Deco Wall Lights Elegant Art Deco sconces, circa 1930, in wrought iron. Electrified and in perfect condition. Mounted with lampshade clipped on the bulb. The 4 sconces are stamped Zadounaisky Height : 33 cm Width : 22 cm Depth : 12 cm Total weight : 6 kg You can contact me for more information and shipping costs. Son of Russian emigrants, Michel Zadounaïsky settled in France in 1916. I In 1920, he discovered the work of wrought iron by joining the Fournet chandelier factory. He also devoted himself to repoussage en ronde bosse, that is to say the confrontation with the metal with only a hammer for a tool, and with the help of fire, techniques in which he became a master. In 1924, he opened his first workshop in Lyon and worked there until 1953, becoming one of the emblematic figures of Lyon's decorative arts. Michel Zadounaïsky regularly exhibited pieces influenced by the Art Deco style in the Lyon Salons. From the 1930s onwards, his themes became more personal, and a whole bestiary of animals appeared, sometimes bordering on the fantastic and the strange. Naturalized in 1948, Michel Zadounaïsky continues to realize, in close and intimate collaboration with Buer (bookbinder) and Dumaine (glassmaker), objects intended for a wealthy and enlightened clientele. Desiring to abolish the frontier between the liberal arts and the useful arts, he is a craftsman, an artist, and perhaps the only iron sculptor...
Wrought Iron
French Art Deco Wall Sconces by Jules Leleu 1940's
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
Superb pair of French Art Deco double arms brass wall sconces by Jules Leleu 1940's. Each sconce accommodates two candelabra bulbs (120 watts max ). Re-plating in different finishes ...
Bronze
Wall sconce Raymond Subes Art Deco French Art Deco 1925 pair, Castle Provenance
By Raymond Subes
Located in La xara, VC
This piece is firmly rooted in the early 20th-century French wrought iron aesthetic, but more "neo-rustic/revival" than pure geometric Art Deco of the 1925–35 period. Style and Peri...
Wrought Iron
Pair of French Art Deco Wall Sconces
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Pair of deco wall sconces, Travail Francais, 1940s. Gilt and green patinated bronze with circular glass shades.
Bronze
Pair of French Art Deco Wall Sconces
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Pair of deco wall sconces, Travail, Francais, 1940s. Gilt and green patinated bronze with circular glass shades.
Bronze
