* SALE SUSPENDED * SERGE MOUILLE (1922–1988) FOR PIERRE PRUN - Lot 199

* SALE SUSPENDED * SERGE MOUILLE (1922–1988) FOR PIERRE PRUNET (1926–2005), ARCHITECT “Model designed and crafted specifically in 1959 for the Sainte-Thérèse Church — Rosoirs neighborhood, Auxerre (Yonne)” An exceptional set of 10 wall sconces with adjustable lighting, originally lacquered gray. The adjustable Nichon-style shades are made of aluminum, originally lacquered gray on the outside and white on the inside; each featuring an internal socket-holding tab and equipped with a varnished brass “Olive”-style ball joint. The horizontal arms, featuring an atypical mounting, each consist of a long threaded brass rod housed within a cylindrical sleeve made of metal originally lacquered gray. The circular metal mounting plates are originally painted gray. Width of wall sconces: approximately 48 cm Width of lampshades: 36.5 cm Significant oxidation on the ferrous metal parts (circular bases and arms); the bases were drilled later along their edges (to allow for electrical wiring through a conduit); the electrical wiring and grounding are not original; the clamping screw is missing on several ball joints. Provenance and history: Built between 1958 and 1959 as part of the ongoing development of the Rosoirs neighborhood in the Hauts d’Auxerre (Yonne), the Sainte-Thérèse parish church is one of the major works of architect Pierre Prunet (1926–2005), Chief Architect of Historic Monuments. The building itself embodies the renewal that postwar religious architecture would undergo, as well as the reflections by architects and clergy on adapting the liturgy to new urban neighborhoods. Its architecture is distinguished by its understated forms, dominated by a spectacular curved roof made of glued-laminated timber, and its diagonal layout with a raised altar, designed to bring the congregation together. The liturgical furnishings, created by sculptor François Brochet (1925–2001) for the church and its adjacent catechism classrooms, contribute to the artistic coherence of the complex. Consecrated on December 20, 1959, but no longer used for worship since 2020, this church today stands as a remarkable example of 1950s religious architecture. Our series of 10 wall sconces, created specifically for this religious building, was installed there upon completion of construction. The choice of “Nichon”-style shades for the fixed wall sconces, rather than “Tétine” or “OEil” models, was likely guided by the larger dimensions of this reflector; these fixtures were intended to fit into a space that was very spacious in both height and width. As for the gray color of our wall sconces—a shade not previously seen in Serge Mouille’s body of work—and given the lack of evidence to explain this unusual choice for the artist’s designs, we can only hypothesize that this was a decision by architect Pierre Prunet, who may have found it difficult to envision black-lacquered light fixtures in this interior space dedicated to communion or contemplation and composed largely of wood—paneling and structural framing. Related bibliography and notes: Pierre-Émile Pralus - Serge Mouille: A French Classic - Les Éditions du Mont Thou, Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d’Or, 2006. The breakdown of lampshade models (Tétine, Nichon, Casquette, Escargot, Conque, etc.) by light fixture model is published on page 149. Numerous light fixtures equipped with Nichon lampshades are reproduced throughout this book. Expert: Emmanuel EYRAUD