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Jules-Auguste Habert-Dys (1850-1930) came from very humble beginnings and made his way into the world of decorative arts by learning trades in ceramic manufactories. While he is today forgotten by most, recent rediscovery of his work has propelled his creations to stratospheric valuations. He is mostly remembered for designing silverware and small cabinetry. However, Habert-Dys also drew amazing Art Nouveau designs, both for ceramic creations and for illustration, at a time when Art Nouveau hadn’t even really been named. By the mid-1880’s the influence of Japanese arts had already pushed him to synthesize an esthetic which a few years later would take Europe by storm. Habert-Dys can be regarded as one of the fathers of Art Nouveau. His drawings and use of color are extremely fine and his sense of beauty arresting.

(Courtesy text: Armstrong fine Art)

He is known to have created at least two sets of related prints: fishes (underwater world) and birds. The Perches (above) is executed with gold paint, seen under an angle it shines brightly. For this effect: see also Albert Krüger’s “Venus” in the Nymphaeum collection (Classic Nudes)


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