All Photos By Gail

Eric Schmitt’s In Love standing lamp, created for Ralph Pucci, is more than a lighting fixture — it’s a monumental sculpture that radiates emotion as much as illumination. At nearly six feet tall and more than three feet across, the piece commands attention, occupying space like a living presence rather than a decorative accessory.

Crafted from patinated aluminum, the lamp balances strength with subtlety. Its surface—neither glossy nor distressed — reveals a nuanced texture that feels at once industrial and organic, like something weathered by time. At 80 pounds, it carries a literal gravity that mirrors its emotional weight.

Schmitt himself has admitted that In Love was among the most difficult works he has attempted, a design he nearly abandoned before finally bringing it to life. That perseverance is evident in the finished piece, which conveys both ambition and vulnerability. “It is my favorite,” he confessed, underscoring the personal connection behind the design.

Born in 1955, Schmitt has long drawn inspiration from the natural surroundings of his studio near France’s Fontainebleau forest, where he collaborates with master artisans to realize his vision. Since 2006, his partnership with Ralph Pucci has allowed his boldest works — objects that blur the line between sculpture and functional design — to find their audience among collectors who appreciate furniture as art.

What makes In Love remarkable is its transformative power within a room. In low light, its patinated form throws dramatic silhouettes; in full glow, its surfaces shimmer with depth and nuance. The piece feels ceremonial, almost sacred, inviting contemplation and emotional resonance. Ultimately, In Love is not just a lamp — it’s a meditation on love itself: layered, weighty, imperfect, and luminous.