The Val d’Osne foundry, founded in 1835 by Jean-Pierre-Victor André in France, was the most important artistic cast iron manufacture of the 19th century.
It reached its peak under the direction of Gustave Barbezat and the collaboration of the sculptor Mathurin Moreau.
The company was responsible for world icons such as the Wallace Fountains, the Art Nouveau entrances of the Paris Metro designed by Hector Guimard, and the ornaments of the Alexander III Bridge.
With catalogs exceeding 40,000 models.
They exported statues, fountains, and urban furniture to five continents, defining the aesthetics of cities like Buenos Aires, Madrid, and Rio de Janeiro.
After merging with its competitor Durenne, activity at its original headquarters ceased in 1986.
His work can be seen in the following museums:
The Musée d'Orsay
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs (Paris)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET)
The Victoria and Albert Museum and the Metallurgic Park.
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Style Art Nouveau
The name "Art Nouveau" in French means "new art." It is also known as “Jugendstil” in Germany. In contrast, in Vienna and Italy it is called "Liberty".
It employs curvilinear designs with sinuous, asymmetrical lines, often based on plant forms, as well as stylized female silhouettes.
The style was used in architecture, interior design, glassware, jewelry, sculpture, painting, furniture, posters, and illustration.
New materials were introduced, such as opals and semi-precious stones.
The Art Nouveau style had its greatest momentum at the Universal Exposition of 1900 in Paris.
After that, it spread throughout Europe, the United States, and Australia.
In Paris, you can see the metro entrances, and in Belgium, its countless buildings.
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