Object Description
Art Nouveau silver, crystal, and pate de verre table centrepiece by Falize
French, 1902
Height 35.5cm, width 150cm, depth 52cm
This exceptional piece demonstrates the artistic excellence of goods produced in Paris at the turn of the century. With its organic, flowing lines and inclusion of the female form, this surtout de table is a characteristically Art Nouveau piece. The surtout is crafted from superb silver, crystal, and pate de verre, or moulded glass, which, in this instance, is coloured a rich turquoise in imitation of the sea.
The Art Nouveau style is often thought of as the first truly ‘modern’ artistic movement. This fantastic surtout de table, then, is one of the earliest examples of a ‘modern’ masterpiece. The piece was crafted by the brothers, André, Jean, and Pierre Falize (collectively known as the ‘Falize Freres’) who came from a long line of distinguished jewellery makers. Their father Lucien, and grandfather, Alexis, have been credited with pioneering the Art Nouveau movement. In its exquisite craftsmanship, innovative use of materials and stunning execution, this piece is one of the finest surviving examples of French fin de siècle design