Line Vautrin

Specialties

Design

Nicknamed the "Poetess of Metal," Line Vautrin was a French artist driven by a desire for creative freedom. With multiple talents, she designed jewelry and decorative objects. Born in 1913 in Paris, she left a significant mark on her time with her refusal to conform to the artistic conventions of the era.

Her Beginnings

Born shortly before World War I, Vautrin began creating her first works before the age of 21. Her career gained momentum during the 1937 World’s Fair, where she showcased a diverse collection of jewelry, earning her recognition. This newfound acclaim led to the opening of her boutique on the Champs-Élysées the following year. Her unique pieces captivated the public and attracted a new clientele.

Her Preferred Medium

An exceptional designer, Vautrin focused on finding new materials, eventually creating a substance she named “Talosel.” This innovative material, based on cellulose acetate, became central to her work, inspiring art lovers and expanding her artistic repertoire. She used Talosel to craft some of her most iconic pieces, including the “Poisson” dressing mirror and her series of “witches’ mirrors” adorned with engraved figures, such as the "Charlemagne" and “Soleil à pointes.” These complex and striking objects are distinguished by their size, material, and significance in Vautrin’s career, all essential elements in the proper appraisal of her work.

Objects of Elegance and Lyricism

As a jewelry designer, Vautrin experimented with new techniques and let her imagination run free. In the 1940s, she expanded her range, creating bronze boxes such as powder cases and pillboxes. Embodying the spirit of elegance, Vautrin often incorporated words and poems into her designs. She gave the lids of her gilded boxes a poetic touch, such as in her powder case engraved with the words “Pour toi mon amour,” enhancing the accessory with a sense of intimacy and refinement.

Market Value and Estimations for Line Vautrin’s Works

To receive a free appraisal of Line Vautrin’s signed jewelry and objects, please contact our expert and auctioneer for a professional assessment.