Lalique - Jewelry Genius

One of the most admired jewelry artist in the world is Rene Lalique. Although known for his glass, his jewelry is magnificent.   His inventive designs contributed to the popularity of the decorative arts in the 1890’s.   His extraordinary jewelry, based on selecting a motif from nature, became very important to the popular Art Nouveau style.

While reading art catalog, I discovered that Lalique, unlike many other jewelry makers, spent several years studying art and later had an apprenticeship in the jeweler’s craft.  Some of the most breathtaking pieces of jewelry by Lalique involved flowers, bugs and seeds.  Lalique’s “A Bee and Flower Brooch” is a classic example of Lalique’s imagination and his influence from the French countryside.   This small detailed piece of jewelry contains abalone, gold, enamel and glass.  

Lalique’s jewelry is popular not only because of his creative designs but also he possessed a  mastery of the techniques.  It’s been said that he would accept only the highest quality in his work.  His enameling is an excellent example of the high standards that Lalique possessed.

Lalique, a very important art jeweler and Art Nouveau designer died in 1945.  There have been many great jewelry makers since Rene Lalique.  My guess is that many have borrowed something from this great genius.

Nella's Books and Collectibles

Olympic Art

I am still waiting for something big to take away from the Olympic games in London this summer.  My expectations were that the art world would be on fire in London.  That we would experience art in a brand new way.  What I would like to see is something spectacular from this event to later be placed in the art history books.

The opening presentation viewed by millions was enjoyable.  Some will view this as a great artistic theatrical presentation.   Anish Kapoors’ magnificent tall sculpture will forever be a part of the London scene.  Anna Chromy’s statute, Olympic Spirit I am told is also a great work of art.  The fact that it can only be viewed by the athletes makes it more special.    This Chromy’s statute will be eventually auctioned off and will eventually have a new home. 

I recently read that museum visitations in London in general are down (as expected) during the first week of the Olympics.  Of course the Tate Modern has continued to enjoy a nice increase in visitors with its new exhibits.  The theatres in general are doing well.   Displaying an exhibition of hats on statutes around town I thought was very humorous and inventive but not great art.

I know the closing ceremonies will be spectacular. Maybe it will be the photographs taken by various individuals that will have a lasting place in the history of art from the London Olympics. I’m hoping, once the Olympics are over, that there will be something that we can look back at and know for sure that art history was made in London during the 23 Olympics.

www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com