Gasolier c. 1880

This ornate gasolier, or gas chandelier, dates from around 1880 and is a product of the American firm Thackara, Buck & Co., notable for their high-quality, decorative metalwork. The chandelier's elaborate design, featuring a central, geometric cage with intricate floral motifs, is characteristic of the Victorian era's penchant for elaborate ornamentation. The use of glass shades, likely etched or frosted, and crystal drops, adds to the overall grandeur and reflects the prevalent taste for opulence and craftsmanship during this period. This impressive piece, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, exemplifies the aesthetic of the Gilded Age and offers a glimpse into the luxurious interiors of homes of that era.