René Lalique, designer, Lalique et Cie, manufacturer: Oiseau de feu (Firebird). Illuminated Surtout de table (Table decoration): Bronze base, colorless glass; mold-pressed, acid-etched intaglio design. Designed 1922. Courtesy the Corning Museum of Glass.

NORFOLK, VA.- The Chrysler Museum of Art showcases one of the most talented and influential French designers of the 20th century, René Lalique, in its new exhibition René Lalique: Enchanted by Glass. This comprehensive look at the Lalique’s career traces the development of his artistry and innovation through displays of glass decor, jewelry, production molds and design drawings. The exhibition is on view from Sept. 15 through Jan. 21, 2018. Admission is free. 

Trained through an apprenticeship with Parisian jewelry designer Louis Aucoc in the Art Nouveau style, Lalique (1860-1945) freelanced for Cartier and Boucheron before opening his own shop in 1885. Within five years, his designs were the favorite of the era’s celebrities, including famed theater actress Sarah Bernhardt. His experiments with glass in jewelry led him to explore the further applications of glass, such as his beautifully crafted perfume bottles for perfumer François Coty. 

René Lalique, designer, Lalique et Cie, manufacturer: Paons (Peacocks). Table lamp: colorless glass (mold-pressed, acid-etched, applied patina), metal mounts, electrical wiring and other components. Designed 1910. Courtesy the Corning Museum of Glass. 

Lalique received wide acclaim on the international stage when he displayed his jewelry at the 1900 Paris Exposition, which attracted nearly 50 million visitors from around the world. By 1909, he was mass-producing perfume bottles in his factory, which continues to produce crystal tablewares, jewelry, and perfume bottles. 

René Lalique: Enchanted by Glass focuses on Lalique’s influential work in the Art Deco style, exploring decades of creativity. He produced jewelry, medallions, bottles, tableware, smoking accessories, lamps, clocks and even automobile mascots, more commonly known as radiator caps or hood ornaments. He embraced industrial innovation and eventually mass-produced luxury glass for the common household. 

René Lalique, Designer, Lalique et Cie, Manufacturer, Victoire (Victory) Automobile mascot: Metal, colorless glass; mold-pressed and acid-etched. Designed 1928. Courtesy the Corning Museum of Glass.  

The exhibition incorporates over 200 pieces. It provides insight into his methods of production dating from about 1893 to Lalique’s death in 1945, and includes one of his patent applications. 

“The opportunity to exhibit an extensive collection of works by an important French artist such as Lalique comes along infrequently,” said Diane C. Wright, Barry Curator of Glass. “We are thrilled to be able to present this show to the Hampton Roads community and to broaden the public’s understanding of glass production and design coming from France in the 20th century.”

The exhibition originated at the Corning Museum of Glass, which holds the largest collection of Lalique materials at a public institution. It was curated by Kelley Elliott, the assistant curator for modern and contemporary glass. The Chrysler Museum of Art’s presentation will include additional Lalique works from private collectors and the Chrysler’s permanent collection. 

René Lalique: Enchanted by Glass is on view from Sept. 15 to Jan. 21, 2018. Admission is free.

René Lalique, Designer, Lalique et Cie, Manufacturer, Suzanne. Statuette: transparent butterscotch yellow glass; mold-pressed, acid-etched. Designed 1925. Courtesy the Corning Museum of Glass.