Argy-Rousseau's near-unique ability to gracefully soften the starkness of Art Deco design without ever sacrificing the strength of the design is on full display in this remarkable, petite masterpiece. The design of the night light was influenced by the intricate buds and fruit of the European plane tree during the winter season. In winter, the leaves transform into protective scales, safeguarding the buds for the approaching spring. The spiky fruit of the plane tree became a well-liked motif in the Art Nouveau movement, with both Lalique and Philipe Wolfers featuring them in their jewelry designs. These plane trees are a common sight along French city streets, and no autumn is truly complete without the satisfying crunch of the plane tree's fruit underfoot.
