Photograph by Ed Pollard, Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II digital slr-2015.

Art Nouveau Vase

Manufacturer Stevens and Williams, Ltd.

Artist Jules Barbe (French, 1847 - 1907)

Dateca. 1900

MediumBlown, acid-etched, enameled, and relief-gilt glass

DimensionsOverall: 11 1/8 in. (28.3 cm)
Overall, Rim: 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)

ClassificationsGlass

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.4296

Terms

Gilt
Blue
Yellow
Green
Colorless
Art Nouveau
Stourbridge

On View

Not on view

DescriptionVase enameled over acid etched design. Cylindrical pinched in at the top with a short neck and a flaring rim. Attached narrow solid dome foot with star cut bottom. Decorated with thick gilt background with glossy design on the foot. Three "frames" on cylinder part and solid on the neck, rim and inside to neck bottom over acid-cut "cameo" stylized bluebell/morning glory art nouveau design. Inside gilt "frames" are three panels enameling of blue flowers with yellow centers and green leaves on clear with irregularly etched background.

Label TextART NOUVEAU HERALDS A NEW CENTURY This vase displays many of the cold-working techniques used to decorate glass after the hot process of blowing and shaping the glass. The surface was exposed to acid, which etched into the glass and gave it a rough texture. The blue flowers with yellow centers were painted on with enamels, which were made by mixing powdered glass with an oily substance. Gold leaf was applied liberally to form three window panes for the floral design. Both applications would require separate re-firings of the vessel to help the enamel and gold leaf adhere to the surface. The enamel and gilt decoration followed the Art Nouveau style, which was fashionable during the final years of the Victorian era. Proponents of the Art Nouveau aesthetic believed that nature should serve as the primary inspiration. The style emphasized designs that were asymmetrical, fluid, and highly stylized. Art Nouveau was considered thoroughly modern because it broke from the earlier Victorian tendency to recreate and reinterpret historical designs. Decorated by Jules Barbe French (b. 1847) Stevens and Williams Stourbridge, England Vase, ca. 1900 Blown, acid-etched, enameled, and relief-gilt glass Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.4296