Rene Lalique

Rene Lalique

Rene Lalique was one of the most influential designers of the Art Nouveau period. Lalique was well learned in ceramics, glasswork and metalsmithing and he often combined his skills to create exquisite items of jewellery.

Lalique’s style was unique and unconventional for the 1800’s as he incorporated non precious materials into his works. His style of aesthetics was influenced by Japonism, a style movement in France in the 1800’s that stemmed from realist Japanese art. Lalique’s work consisted of elements and motifs found in nature, of flowers, insects, animals and birds that were combined to create magnificent neckpieces, diadems, hairpins and brooches. He also used pearls, early plastics, glass and horn that was carved to decorate his works.

Lalique’s works became metaphors of the turn-of-the-century ideas and concerns, these ideas included, transformation, changes in society and the gender roles of women. Along with the natural imagery, he often portrayed images of nude women in his works allowing a form of femininity to manifest in his work. His “metaphors for this included butterflies, fish, water and frogs. The rise to fame of women like Sarah Bernhardt and Loie Fuller and the sensual, self-willed image they projected were part of the changing perceptions of the role of women at the time”.