Rene Lalique - Dragonfly Corsage

Question 1

Design Period

Answer 1

Late nineteenth century, during art nouveau period. Was a leading jeweller at the time. Jewellers created extraordinarily beautiful and original jewels inspired by natural and mythological themes.

Question 2

Function

Answer 2

Decoration of the body, show status in this case for a female actress. To add and elegant style. Would only be worn on a special occasion as it is made out of expensive stones and materials popular in its time.

Question 3

Aesthetics

Answer 3

Colours are a mixture of subtle cold colours or blues and green, precious stones such as moonstones are inserted to resemble a dragonfly. Used repeated and symmetrical patterns on the wings which are identical to the pattern of a dragonfly wing. Gold is used as an elegant background for the stones, contrasting colours.

Question 4

Target Market

Answer 4

Rich wealthy fashionable people in art nouveau period. Extremely expensive because of gold and diamonds. One off piece made by a famous fashion jewellery designer.

Question 5

Materials

Answer 5

Precious materials such as gold, diamonds, moonstones and enamel.

Question 6

Construction

Answer 6

Constructed into three parts, wings body and body, bird claws and top half of a woman.
Handcrafted means it would be for someone or no two would be the same . Stones would be set in gold.

Question 7

Ergonomics

Answer 7

Very detailed and looks delicate, has small finger which allows its wings to move slightly so it could fit easily to different body shapes.
Quite large and it is symmetrical to counterbalance the wait of the wings.
Would fit will on a ladies chest area.