René Lalique

Bonhams, London, 24 October 1991, lot 14

Félix Marcilhac, René Lalique, 1860-1945: maître-verrier: analyse de l'oeuvre et catalogue raisonné, Paris, 2011, the model registered under the number 2, p. 223

René Lalique is undoubtedly one of the most talented glassmakers of the 20th century. He renewed the art of glass through the technical patents he developed and the incredible richness of his artistic repertoire. 

Lalique first made a name for himself in the art of jewellry. He conducted his first experiments in glass around 1890 and gradually developed the technique of mould-pressed glass, which he applied to a range of vases, lamps and decorative elements. He developed a huge range of forms for vases, his famous car mascots, all finished in a plethora of patinas and vibrant colours. Several hundred models were produced by his workshops and his output was recognised at the 1925 and 1937 International Exhibitions in Paris. His international acclaim was spread further afield through the wildly luxurious interiors of 'grand salon' of the SS Normandie for which Lalique supplied monumental chandeliers, towering uplights and row upon row of coloured glass columns. Even today, some 78 years after his death, Lalique continues to maintain the excellence of its craftsmanship which has made Lalique's art famous throughout the world.