(Ring by Jean Fouquet. 1930)
The Modernists
Modernism was the fi rst global art movement for three hundred years. Thriving during
the period we have come to know as Art Deco it embraced all of the arts – not least
that of the jeweler – within a revolution of design.
The leading exponents in the world of jewellery were Raymond Templier, Jean Fouquet,
Gerard Sandoz, Jean Despres, Paul Brandt. The fi rst three were founder members
of the Union des Artistes Modernes.
Out went unnecessary ornament and fussy design. Theirs was a world of geometry –
straight lines, triangles within circles and cubes. Juxtaposition of unusual materials,
a bold colour palette. Some of the most powerful and original designs in the history
of jewellery were produced by these designers elevating their craft to an art form.