Lalique: Visual Elements

Question 1

Colour

Answer 1

Gold and shades of blue.
Reminiscent of Tutankhamen’s death mask, these colours were used by Egyptians to show power and wealth as blue was a rare colour pigment in ancient times.
Blue is a calm and serene colour and reflects the sky and water in the nature obsessed Art Nouveau movement.
The colours follow a line of symmetry down the middle giving an aesthetic appeal.

Question 2

Shape/Form

Answer 2

Central part of the brooch is 3D inspired by the female form, a dragonfly body and the front half of a griffin. Stylised in Art Nouveau fashion.
The wings are 2D contrasting the form of the body.
The whole piece is symmetrical.

Question 3

Texture

Answer 3

Wings have a delicate texture created by the enamelling technique and gemstones.
Long body has a bumpy texture due to repeated dots cascading down the form.
The combination of contrasting textures gives the piece a very pleasing aesthetic.

Question 4

Pattern

Answer 4

The pattern on the wings and body follow that of an actual dragonfly but has been simplified or stylised for visual impact.
There is a striped pattern down the tail that is more geometric and provides contrast to the natural pattern of the wing.
The pattern follows the line of symmetry down the middle.

Question 5

Line

Answer 5

Body of the piece is influenced by Art Nouveau ‘whiplash line’, thicker at the top and thinning towards the bottom.
There is a thick line of gold around the edges of the wings, the gold lines in the wings are thinner and delicate creating visual impact.
Follows a line of symmetry.