Torchère, one of a pair, c. 1862
Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuseexpand_more
Bronze, gilt, silver, black onyx, red marbleexpand_more
Gift of Mrs. Maud Hill Schrollexpand_more 74.27.1a-e
Not on Viewexpand_more
These free-standing gas lights (or a similar pair) were chosen to represent French design at the International Exposition of 1862 in London. Forty years later, they were purchased from a Paris dealer for the new home of Louis W. Hill (1872–1948), a prominent businessman and the son of St. Paul railroad magnate James J. Hill. Louis Hill’s house, built in 1903, was furnished as lavishly as his parents’ famous mansion next door, which at the time of its completion was the most expensive house ever built in Minnesota. These elegant torchères at first welcomed guests to the foyer and later were moved into a ballroom added to the house in 1912. They remained in the family until a daughter donated them to Mia in 1974.
Details
- Title
- Torchère, one of a pair
- Artist Life
- 1824–1887
- Role
- Designer
- Accession Number
- 74.27.1a-e
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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