Designing Women: French Art Nouveau and Deco Decorative Arts and Women

This talk will focus on women and their role in the Decorative arts between 1890 to 1930, with a specific focus on French Art Nouveau and French Art Deco styles. Women served as model and muse for Art Nouveau and Art Deco artists, which will be discussed in this talk through numerous artworks in the…

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The Fabergé Obsession: Romance, Revolution, and Russian Decorative Arts

Why are so many people fascinated with Fabergé’s creations and the last days of the Russian empire? The imperial eggs are worth millions and the craftsmanship of Fabergé’s creations is remarkable, but perhaps the stories of opulence, revolution, and death associated with these works are the hooks that best catch our interest. This PowerPoint talk…

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A Tale of Two Sofas: Belter at VMFA

Following several years of new research and an extensive conservation campaign, a magnificent pair of sofas in the VMFA collection have emerged with a captivating history and a distinctive look.  Produced by the celebrated furniture maker John Henry Belter over 160 years ago, the near-identical sofas graced the homes of powerful American businessmen and socialites…

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Cartier: Innovation & Inspiration

Since the 1890s, the name Cartier has been synonymous with sparkle, glamour, and opulence. But behind the iridescent jewels lies a tale of multiple inventions, famous clients, cutting-edge design, and a love affair with material, color, and fashion. In this lecture, you’ll explore these tales and see examples of the various styles Cartier popularized from 1900 to the 1950s.

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