A masterpiece by the master glassmaker
An exceptional master glassmaker, René Lalique (1860-1945) was renowned for “treating glass as he once treated precious metals, with the finesse of a jeweler, a chaser and an enameler” (Gabriel Henriot, Mobilier et Décoration, December 1927). As early as the 1890s, Lalique began to incorporate glass into his jewelry creations, rapidly developing new glassmaking techniques such as colored, opalescent, frosted, engraved and speckled glass. His innovations with this fascinating material helped forge his reputation as an artist.
An emblematic Art Deco table centerpiece
Renowned for his Art Nouveau jewelry, Lalique also excelled in the Art Deco period, producing numerous decorative objects and tableware pieces. It was in this context that, in 1930, he designed the “Caravelle” table centerpiece.
A technical feat
This large-scale table centerpiece in molded-pressed white glass depicts a ship with unfurled sails linked by ropes. Created in a single block from a mold with a recessed design, the main motif of the nave appears in relief on the back of the object, testifying to the technical prowess of its creation.
A tribute to the city of Paris
Lalique has chosen the Caravelle, one of the emblems featured on the cabinets of the City of Paris, to adorn this centerpiece destined to be placed at the center of a dining room table. Set in a Rio rosewood base, this object evokes the coat of arms and motto of the French capital, “Fluctuat nec mergitur”.
A veritable work of art in glass
Borrowing from Lalique’s cherished maritime imagery, this table centerpiece becomes first and foremost a decorative object, a veritable work of art in glass. The artist expresses his fascination with water, transparency, reflections and the play of light, recurring themes in his creations.
~ RENÉ LALIQUE (1860-1945)
“Caravelle”
Luminous tabletop, thick slab of white satin-finish glass, rounded shape, hollow-molded decoration of a large ship with unfurled sails.
Truncated cone-shaped base in Rio rosewood.
Signed “René Lalique” in the decor.
Height. 20 ¹⁵/₃₂ in – Long. 29 ¹⁷/₃₂ in – Width. 6 ¹¹/₁₆ in
20 000 – 30 000 €
VIEW THE “20TH CENTURY DECORATIVE ARTS & DESIGN” AUCTION
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 2pm
37 rue des Mathurins, 75008 Paris
CONTACTS
Marie-Cécile Michel – Director of the 20th Century Decorative Arts & Design department
[email protected] – +33 1 53 30 30 58
Ariane de Miramon – Director of the Communication & Marketing department
[email protected] – +33 1 53 30 30 68