Cherub Brass Table Lamp

Lamps with globe shades rose to popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly during the Art Nouveau and early Art Deco periods. The use of opal glass—glass that is milky white and semi-translucent—became widespread in lighting design for its ability to soften harsh electric light, which was still a relatively new household feature at the time.

Brass, a favored metal for both its durability and decorative appeal, was commonly used in lamp bases throughout the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Together, the combination of brass and opal glass evokes a sense of turn-of-the-century refinement, echoing the craftsmanship and design sensibilities of early electric lighting.