About Gabriel Argy - Rousseau

Gabriel Argy-Rousseau's virtuosity in a glass making technique called pate de verre or "glass paste," brought him instant acclaim upon his first showing it in 1914. He neither invented the technology for pate de verre nor manufactured it in large quantities for the first time. However, he exemplifies the successful small producer who remained true to the principles of small scale production and hand workmanship over industrial practices. Unlike Lalique and other late decorative artists, Argy-Rousseau never resorted to mass-produced glass. He did succeed in making "high art" glassware in the natural forms and soft colors of Art Nouveau, and gained a reputation for superb work in the medium. The latter half of the nineteenth century brought the revival of this ancient technique. Though the operations proved both complicated and delicate, Argy-Rousseau manufactured everything within his own workshops.