Théodore LEGRAS (1839-1916) - Lot 109

Théodore LEGRAS (1839-1916) Pair of vases, Rubis series, pansu form with re-entrant neck resting on a circular base Glass proofs, the vine-leaf motifs acid-etched and painted purple Signed in relief below Height: 35.5 cm (Scratches from use, wear to the enamel) NOTICE Théodore Legras (1839-1916) was one of the most influential French master glassmakers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, alongside such iconic figures as Émile Gallé, Daum, René Lalique and Gabriel Argy-Rousseau. Trained in the glassmaking tradition, Legras quickly distinguished himself by his inventiveness and sense of decoration, developing particularly refined decorative techniques that gave him a central place in the history of artistic glassmaking. His production, from the Saint-Denis crystal works, ranges from delicately enamelled vases to blown glass pieces, often decorated with floral or naturalistic motifs inspired by Art Nouveau, a movement of which he was a key player. What sets Théodore Legras apart from his contemporaries is his bold exploration of enamelled and etched glass techniques, as well as his use of vivid colors and varied shapes. His work is characterized by a harmonious blend of innovation and tradition. He introduced new decorative techniques, notably snow-covered landscapes, lush floral motifs and oriental scenes, all of which mark his production. Legras has constantly renewed his style over the years, responding to the growing demand for decorative glassware that is both elegant and affordable. Like Gallé and Daum, Legras participated in the rise of the École de Nancy, which celebrated the dialogue between art and nature through poetic works in glass. Unlike some of his contemporaries, who concentrated on one-off pieces and limited creations, Legras democratized the art of glassmaking by producing mass-produced pieces while maintaining a high level of quality and originality. In this, he is close to artists like François-Théodore Legras, with whom he shares a pragmatic vision of decorative art. Today, Théodore Legras' creations continue to be sought after by collectors for their originality and finesse. His legacy, like that of his contemporaries such as Lalique, Marinot and Argy-Rousseau, remains inseparable from the revival of French artistic glassmaking at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.