The turbulent life of this Dutch sculptor and decorative artist has been beautifully described by Marcel Brouwer and Joep Haffmans. They say that Cris Achterberg was controversial and marked by his role in the Second World War and eventually his work is exhibited outside his own shop one more time in June 1944 (32). After his internment and trial, he died on November 21, 1948. Brouwer and Haffmans describe that Agterberg's creative development began around 1906, when he initially engaged in pottery making. In addition to being a sculptor and decorative artist, he has developed strongly during his career as a furniture designer, graphic designer, textile and leather designer, jewelery maker and metalworker. Through a long series of short-term employment contracts, he decides to start his own business around 1918 after the closure of his last permanent employer, the N.V. Nederlandsche Betonijzerbouw.

Design

This table lamp dates from his metal industry period in his studio in Utrecht and beautifully reflects his special gift as a designer. A dark and strong patinated brass is beaten on a wooden round base, which is riveted at four points with mounting nails. This is an intentional part of the design. A sharp edge has been applied at a height of two centimeters and it seems as if the brass that surrounds the foot continues on the horizontal part of the foot. That edge is also two centimeters, after which a still heavily patinated but lighter brass adorns the conical tapering part of the base. The closed lampshade is pleasantly proportioned to the base. It may therefore be no coincidence that the diameter of the shade is thirty-five centimeters compared to seventeen and a half centimeters of the foot. The shade is mounted on four square solid arms that are fixed to the conical base with four screws. A brass trim adorns the edge of the shade and is secured by means of four ball nuts. The oiled parchment forms the main part of the lampshade and radiates softness and warmth, and when the light is turned on it creates a dark orange glow. The so-called "hat" is also made of brass and also features a ball nut. The lamp is completely in original condition and has been very well preserved.

Condition

Small imperfections are of course inherent to the age of this object and above all add charm and character.

Source

Marcel Brouwer and Joep Hafmans. “Chris Achterberg, Sculptor and Decorative Artist”. Optima, 2001, Vianen.