Lino Tagliapietra vase, 1993, photo Jean Tholance

Hu vase, China, 1736-1796, Photo Jean Tholance

It is hard to make a choice among the 600 pieces of glass that are exceptionnally exhibited at the Galerie Rivoli of Musée des Arts Décoratifs. This attempt to illustrate the history of glass making in Venice and in France but also in China and Vienna since the Renaissance is a great success and a quiet moment to enjoy.

Peter Behrens, Wertheim glasses, Germany, 1902, photo Jean Tholance

From Chinese vases that inspired Emile Gallé to an Egyptian or Syrian Mosque lamp in blown glass, the collection is diverse and international. Resulting mostly from donations by passionate private collectors, this ensemble was added on by Art nouveau vases and more recent presents by contemporary artists. I loved Matei Negreanu’s sculpture in crystal and admired the special window with innumerable drinking glasses from the 18 th century. Loved all shapes of tulip glasses and carafes and spent quite a long time studying the « Scène de repas « in enamel, shells and corals » made in Nevers in 1740. It is the staging of a supper, with glass characters.

Vanessa Mitrani, Spartacus, 2005 photo Jean Tholance

Being myself a glass dropper, I admire these surviving pieces of our glorious past that went through so many hands which did not drop them… and the visit with curator Jean Luc-Olivié was interesting for he had in mind the provenance of each glass. A special app was devised for the descritpion of 50 pieces and an on line catalog is available on www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr. (until November 15th)