The Revolutionary Vision of a Modern Jeweler

This lecture traces Lalique’s development as a jeweler, from his earliest experiments to the masterpieces that secured his reputation as a revolutionary artist.

You will explore his sources of inspiration, his mastery of innovative techniques, and the way his creations defined the avant-garde taste of the fin de siècle.

In the opulent Paris of the Belle Époque, René Lalique rose to fame as the most daring and imaginative jeweler of his time. Rejecting the rigid traditions of gemstone-heavy adornments, he embraced a radically new aesthetic that combined precious metals with enamel, horn, glass, and semi-precious stones. His creations shimmered with life, transforming insects, flowers, and mythological figures into exquisite, wearable works of art.

Lalique’s vision brought jewelry into the realm of fine art. His stage collaborations with Sarah Bernhardt and commissions for the fashionable elite revealed a new kind of luxury—one rooted in originality, naturalism, and artistry rather than sheer opulence. His work aligned perfectly with the ideals of Art Nouveau, which sought to break boundaries and draw inspiration from the rhythms of nature

.Other lecture in the serie Art with Tosca -  The Making of the Louvre (Jan.13th)

Tosca Ruggieri, art historian and museum educator was raised between France & Italy. Fueled by a lifelong love for art, Tosca established Art with Tosca in 2021 after moving to Washington D.C. Tosca holds degrees from EPHE-Sorbonne, Paris and King’s College London. Prior to founding Art with Tosca, Tosca enriched her experience by working for a prominent art collector in Paris and in London art galleries. Now, Tosca shares her passion on a wider scale through a series of online lectures. Based in Washington D.C., Tosca also curates captivating tours of the D.C. museums, in particular at the National Gallery of Art, guiding guests through a treasure trove of masterpieces, spanning the Italian Renaissance to modern times. Tosca's mission is to make art a more approachable through engaging experiences. Whether you're joining from the comfort of your home through lectures and virtual events or exploring museums halls in person, Tosca offers journeys through centuries of artistic expression

*** WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ***

Date : Tuesday, December 9th, 2025
Time : 7:00pm
Duration : 1 hour
Format : 45-50 min Lecture in English, followed by 10-15 min Q&A in French (optional)
Location : Online (Zoom)  - Opportunity for those who attended or registered to receive the replay
Language : English, French  
Fee : $12 for AF Members / $15 for non AF Members

*** REGISTRATION ***

Register by filling the form below and we will send you a link the morning of  the event to join the meeting with the lecturer and the other participants.

If you pass the deadline to register, call us on (215) 735-5283 and we will add you to the list of participants.

*** NOT A MEMBER YET ? ***

Create your membership and join the AF members team !