Anderson House
In 1902, Larz and Isabel Anderson hired noted Boston architects Little and Browne to design a house for them near Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. The architects chose Edward F. Caldwell & Co. to make most of the light fixtures in the house they had in previous commissions. The Andersons also worked directly with Victor F. von Lossberg to produce specially-designed decorative items.
LARZ AND ISABEL WELD ANDERSON
SCONCE
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1902
POLYCHROME WOOD AND GILDED BRONZE
LOAN COURTESY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI
Edward F. Caldwell & Co. created unusual designs as seen with this sconce. Part of a larger set, these originally illuminated Larz Anderson’s private office called the Cypress Room after the paneling.
SCONCE C11558 FROM THE CALDWELL DESIGN BOOK
SMITHSONIAN LIBRARIES, COOPER HEWITT, SMITHSONIAN DESIGN MUSEUM
This photograph shows a similar sconce taken after production.
SIDE CHAIR
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1902-1904
MAHOGANY WITH VELVET UPHOLSTERY
LOAN COURTESY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI
Edward F. Caldwell & Co.’s design books contain pages of antique furniture, paneling, and decorative items available for sale. The Andersons purchased two antique chairs and had Caldwell copy the rest.
DINING ROOM, 1911
THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI
The chairs as installed in the dining room.
TORCHIERE
VENICE, ITALY, PARTLY 18TH CENTURY
GILDED AND POLYCHROME DECORATED WOOD
LOAN COURTESY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI
One of a pair, this unusual item was acquired from Caldwell around 1902. Made up from different parts, the kneeling angel on top originally had an electrified candle. The torchiere is supported by a gilt bronze arm made by the firm.
PHOTOGRAPH OF STALL ROOM, 1911
THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI
This photograph shows the torchiere in its original configuration having the electrified candle at top with a wire extending to a receptacle in the wall.
SEA HORSE STATUES
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1912
GILDED BRONZE AND MARBLE
LOAN COURTESY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI
These sea horses took a year to make. Anderson and Von Lossberg exchanged correspondence between 1911 and 1912 over their development. According to Von Lossberg, Caldwell sculptor Mr. Verro was placed in charge of their design. Each statue initially cost $265.00 ($14,400.00 in 2020).
THE OCEAN GIANT STATUE
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1912
LOAN COURTESY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI
Sculptor Frank S. Verro relied upon both the book illustration and a living model to create this statue. The “volcanic island” below his pipe conceals a cigar lighter.
CLOCK GARNITURE SET
EDWARD F. CALDWELL & CO.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 1910
GILDED BRONZE
LOAN COURTESY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI
Being a member of the Society of Cincinnati, Larz Anderson asked Von Lossberg to design a clock commemorating those who fought for American freedom. The classical figures flanking the clock represent war and victory. Each column is a tied bundle of rods called fasces that represent power. Hanging from the American flags are medals of the Order of the Star of the Loyal Legion and the Order of the Spanish American War.
TORCHIERE
SPAIN, PARTLY 18TH CENTURY
GILDED AND POLYCHROME DECORATED WOOD
LOAN COURTESY OF THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINATI
The Andersons acquired this standard and its pair from the Sonora News Co. of Mexico City in 1902 and had Caldwell make the surmounting lantern. Caldwell's work can be distinguished by the darker finish of the lantern.
