Rene LALIQUE MUSEUM WORK OF ART GLASS GENUINE ANTIQUE

Art Deco

Rene Lalique

Exceptionally Rare Art Nouveau,

Genuine Lalique Glass Brooch

Rene Lalique (1860-1945) was the undisputed genius of Art Nouveau jewelry. As the leader of a group of brilliant French artist-craftsmen who created the Art Nouveau style, Rene Lalique was not only a true innovator, he created an entirely new language of art and jewelry.

Art Nouveau entered the world concience when, in 1895, Samuel Bing transformed his Paris shop of Oriental art into a gallery for the modern, decorative arts. The name he chose was simply L'Art Nouveau. This style became known world-wide as an exotic, ornamental art form in which, Lalique held, that jewels could and should be works of art and that fine workmanship and artistic composition could be more valuable and breathtaking than precious stones.

The unique style now iconically associated with the Art Nouveau period was borne of Rene Lalique's creative genius with materials thus far not used in jewelry or art. Craftsmen of the period were known for their use of semi-precious stones, silver, bone, glass, enamel, and horn. In breaking away from traditional designs and the overly popular use of diamonds and other precious stones, Lalique and his contemporaries began designing free-form and fluid pieces inspired by nature, animals, and the female figure. Oriental fashion- clothing, art, jewelry, home decor- had been all the rage in Europe, primarily in Paris, and much of the Art Nouveau style was formed on the Oriental fundemental principles where every element in nature was worthy of the loftiest conceptions of art.

Rene Lalique's early work in the 1880's was mostly traditional, diamond set jewelry. Elegant flower sprays, branches, and bows showed early signs of his now famous lilting movement but were, for the most part, conventional. By 1895, Lalique had been an apprentice to the well-known jeweler Louis Aucoc and had worked in various workshops in Paris when he decided to become an independant freelance designer. He sold his works to his former employers as well as high-end customers such as Cartier, Gariod, and Destape. He also designed fans, fabrics, and wallpapers. He spent years experimenting with glass and enamel and he was the first artist to ever create pieces from horn.

Lalique's fame and success reached their peak at the International Exhibition in Paris in 1900. The success of his collection won him numerous awards and honors as well as an international following. After the Exhibition, he could hardly keep up with the flood of orders that came as a result. His work was so unique and often encorporated the female figure which became his trademark. His work with swallows was also very popular and that motif is seen in many of his designs. In addition to his exquisite and completely original jewelry, Lalique was also creating gold accessories, dressing-table trinkets, boxes, bottles, and brushes. His success was seen in virtually every aspect of decorative and fine arts.

In 1908 or 1909, Lalique took over a glass factory near Paris and returned to glassmaking. Eventually, he turned his entire attention to glass and many of his later jewels are simple glass plaques, pendants or brooches. Continuing his efforts to invent new methods for working with new materials, his attention to glass and enamel turned swiftly to expertise and his glass pieces are widely sought after among dealers, collectors, and museums. These glass works have become so rare that the last one sold was at a Sotheby's Switzerland auction in 2002.

Rene Lalique Glass Brooch

This incredibly beautiful and exceptionally rare Rene Lalique glass brooch is an original, one-of-a-kind, artist signed, work of art. The two swallows at the center are perched atop a slender branch and are encircled by delicate flower-tipped vines. The glass is framed by a single row of pave set marcasites and a fine line of milgrain edging. The piece is signed on the glass at the bottom left corner in script: 'R, Lalique - France'. Mounted in white, unmarked metal. Piece measures 3 3/4 inches long (9.2 centimeters) by 1 1/4 inches high (3.4 centimeters) by 3/8inch thick (0.8 centimeters), not including the clip. It is in excellent condition.

In the course of our auction research, we found that the most recent sale of a Rene Lalique piece of similar quality sold at Sotheby's in 2002 for $38,000.   We guarantee that this is a genuine, authentic, original Rene Lalique, museum quality, work of art. There is no accurate replacement value- it is truly priceless.

As the glass detail is difficult to capture in a digital photo, please do not hesitate to ask questions.

We will accept the following method of payment only: a certified bank check. The item will be shipped upon verification of bank and check clearing. We will only ship to a confirmed address- ABSOLUTELY NO PO BOXES. We will ship internationally to any country accepting high-value jewelry and works of art. Please check with your country's specific customs regulations. All bidders with feedback of less than 25: please contact us prior to bidding.

Bid with confidence and good luck!

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