Art Nouveau thistle flower necklace by René Lalique Collection Epoque Fine Jewels Belgium

René Lalique, Art Nouveau thistle flower necklace, Paris, circa 1905.

MEET THE EXPERTS

An Art Nouveau Masterpiece: Lalique’s Iconic Thistle Necklace

Experience Art Nouveau at its finest in Lalique’s thistle necklace, presented by Patricia De Wit.

TEFAF Meet the Experts

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026

2:00PM—2:30PM CET
STAND 239, MECC MAASTRICHT

 

Registration is mandatory but free to TEFAF Maastricht ticket holders

Overview

This thistle necklace by René Lalique is remarkable for its combination of technical mastery, artistic innovation, and historical significance. Crafted in molded glass, enamel, diamonds, and gold, it exemplifies Lalique’s skill in transforming materials into fluid, naturalistic forms. The necklace reflects the influence of Japanese art in its refined stylization, while simultaneously demonstrating how Lalique evolved Art Nouveau into a distinctive personal language, balancing organic curves with compositional clarity. In this thistle necklace, Lalique’s artistic evolution toward an innovative visual language becomes apparent: while rooted in Art Nouveau, the forms and compositions begin to hint at the more disciplined and linear design language that would later define Art Deco. 

TEFAF Meet the Experts programs celebrate the expertise of our world-renowned exhibitors, spotlighting exceptional objects and the stories they tell across categories and 7,000 years of history.

Patricia De Wit
Patricia De Wit Co-Founder, Epoque Fine Jewels

Location & Access

Programming will take place at the at the stand of the exhibitor at TEFAF Maastricht. Please note that TEFAF Programming is free with a valid ticket to TEFAF Maastricht. Do note that there is limited spots availability. If you have not registered for programming or bought your ticket for TEFAF Maastricht: click the button “sign up” and purchase your ticket for TEFAF Maastricht.

For questions about registration contact [email protected]