Jean Dunand stands as a significant and influential artist of the Art Deco period, choosing to express his creativity through multiple media, such as sculpture, lacquerwork, and jewelry.
Born as Jules John Dunand in Petit-Lancy, Switzerland in 1877, he later changed his name to Jean in 1909. Growing up in a family of goldsmiths, it was no surprise that Dunand was drawn to the decorative arts. He honed his skills at the École des Arts Industriels de Genève, focusing on sculpture and metalwork. When he moved to Paris, he became an apprentice to renowned sculptor Jean Dampt. Dunand’s first exhibition was at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1900.
Not content with sticking to one medium, Dunand began to experiment with various techniques and materials, eventually venturing into dinanderie work. His preferred material was copper, and his exquisite pieces were regularly displayed at the Salon de la Nationale des Beaux Arts and the Salon d’Automne. In 1904, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs acquired one of his dinanderie vases for their permanent collection, solidifying his reputation as a master of the art.
However, it was Dunand’s lacquer work that has etched his name into history. In 1912, he met Japanese artist Seizo Sugawara, who played a crucial role in shaping Dunand’s craft. Hailing from a village renowned for its lacquerware, Sugawara shared his expertise with Dunand, and in turn, Dunand passed on his knowledge of other decorative arts. With great determination, Dunand quickly absorbed all that Sugawara had to offer, filling numerous booklets with meticulous notes in just two short months. Despite its complexity, Dunand was not one to shy away from mastering the art of lacquer, and he did just that.
Retaining his legacy as an enigmatic artist, Jean Dunand’s mastery of various media, his pursuit of perfection, and his collaboration with fellow artisans all contribute to the captivating complexity and linguistic dynamism of his work. Thus, he remains one of the most revered figures of the Art Deco movement.
The earlier works of this artist exemplify the Art Nouveau period’s fascination with Japonisme, incorporating naturalistic motifs and elements. Repoussé and chasing techniques were utilized, as well as inlays of differently colored metals. However, as time passed and preferences shifted, the artist began to embrace geometric patterns and smooth surfaces, reflecting the growing interest in African Art and Cubism. This shift in style has become synonymous with the Art Deco movement. The artist also experimented with coquille d’oeuf, a painstaking technique of using tiny pieces of broken eggshell to create intricate patterns in lacquer.
With a desire to expand the market for this Eastern art form in France, the artist utilized lacquer not only in traditional objects, such as vases and small figurines, but also in portraiture, furniture, wall panels, and jewelry. The artist’s wide cuff bracelets and narrow circular neck collars, adorned with red, black, and yellow lacquer, became iconic Art Deco jewels, famously worn by Josephine Baker. The demand for the artist’s lacquerware was so high that he had to expand his workshop multiple times, eventually employing over 100 individuals. Notably, the artist received commissions to create large-scale lacquer works for luxury ocean liners, including the SS Île de France and SS Normandie. For the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs, he designed an entire room for the French Embassy, now considered a national treasure and owned by the French Government.
Sadly, the artist passed away in 1942, leaving behind a remarkable body of work that is still greatly admired and highly sought after today.
www.ftn-books.com has one Dunand title available.
