Model No: 1144 Petite Libellule. Created April 1928
Master of Art Nouveau glassware, Emile GALLE said of René LALIQUE that he was "the inventor of modern jewellery".
Indeed, Lalique represented this insect on many occasions in his jewels, giving free rein to his imagination from which emerged the sublime and brilliant pieces that we know. It was a favourite motif both in Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements.
Taking up one of the favourite themes of his Art Nouveau period, Lalique updates it for his Art Deco period. It was therefore in April and May 1928 that he created two lovely dragonflies; one with folded wings as seen here and the other ready for flight.
Length: 16.2cm
Clear (white) glass press molded
Price (1932 Lalique et Cie Catalogue): 275FF
Breves of Knightsbridge, London UK titled this model ’The Dragon Fly (closed wings)’ or ‘Dragonfly (small)’ and listed a price of £3/13/6 ‘unilluminated' or £4/14/6 ‘for light’ using the patented Breves illuminated mount. A bulb was 3/s and Duty was 10/6.
Other names for this mascot - Libellule Petite, Petite Libellule, Libellule (petite), The Dragon Fly, Dragonfly, Small Dragonfly. Mascotte, Hood Ornament, Car Mascot, Bouchon de Radiateur, Radiator Cap.
Appeared in 1928 and 1932 Lalique Catalogue. Removed from 1937 Catalogue.
No known reissue in crystal post 1947, not marketed today.