Antonin Daum (1864-1930)

A joint Art Nouveau creation by Majorelle and Daum shone out in all its glory, while Art Deco revealed its sober lines and precious materials.

This sculptural pear-shaped decanter from the Daum crystalworks, with its chased gilt bronze stopper in the form of a sheep by François-Xavier Lalanne (1927-2008) (decanter h. 35.7 cm/14 in; stopper h. 7.3 cm/3.1 in; support h. 4 cm/1.6 in), is worthy of the classified premiers crus of the Château Mouton-Rothschild.

A faun was expected, but it was a Roman emperor who reached Olympic heights far ahead of fine quality antique furniture.

The master of Art Nouveau designed this prestigious lamp, marking the start of the fruitful collaboration between the Daum glassworks and the Majorelle firm in 1903.

Gims is better known for his music than for his training in Fine Arts. But the rapper is returning to his first love and signing a limited series of 8 Art Deco style vases (€20,000) with the Daum crystal factory. They are inspired by an African mask, reflecting his origins in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This marble bust from the Antonine period is so lifelike it looks as though the young man is about to speak to us. His slightly idealized features bring the legendary Antinous, the beloved favorite of the Roman emperor Hadrian, to mind.

The expressive face of a member of the imperial family—a fine example of sculpture from the Antonine period—shared the spotlight with two French designers, Jean Prouvé and Charlotte Perriand.

Though the late 19th and early 20th-century glassmaking world was often dominated by the Nancy-based Daum and Gallé, this vase reveals the masterful skill of the Appert company.

A couple of restaurateurs passionate about modern art assembled, in Paris and Cannes, a collection of demanding pieces, whose dispersal yielded some excellent surprises.

The installation by French artist Vincent Leroy comprises sixty magnifying glasses, which spin slowly above canal Rio di San Antonin in Venice. Exhibited in front of the Louvre last year, in its new location, it reflects the water and buildings around it to create a kaleidoscopic effect. (designbloom)