Aristide Colotte (1885 - 1959) French Glass Designer

Education

He studied at the École du Dessin, Cristallerie de Baccarat.

Biography

From 1919, he worked as an engraver at Corbin. In 1920, he began producing vessels and animal and human forms (including the head of Christ in c1928) by cutting solid blocks of crystal
into geometric and figurative motifs.

In 1925, he began working as a moulder at Cristallerie de Nancy, a competitor of Daum. During this time, he created several signed pieces with his name. With Henri Bossut, he produced acid engravings for Magasins Réunis. In 1926, he established his engraving workshop in Nancy, Maison d’Art, where he focused on creating custom works and Art Déco jewellery. Unfortunately, the collaboration between Bossut and Colotte was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II in 1939, which led to Bossut’s untimely death.

Art Deco Period Vase designed by Aristide Colotte | The British Antique Dealers’ Association

Colotte’s work included pâte-de-verre, engraving on metal, and jewellery. The vases that he made were intricately designed with both carved and etched patterns. Some featured geometric patterns with alternating sections of rough texture, a polished finish, and a matte surface. Certain vases were also stained or coloured to add an extra touch of artistry.

Exhibition

Work shown at sessions of the Salon d’Automne and Société des Artistes Décorateurs. Received Meilleur Ouvrier de France medal (metal engravings) at 1925 Paris ‘Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes.’

Vase with Birds in Foliage by Aristide Colotte | CMOG

Later Years

In 1927, he was awarded the Best Worker of France medal for the second time, and in 1931, he received the Légion d’Honneur. During the Second World War, while under German occupation, he carried out several official orders, including creating a two-metre-high glass sword commissioned by the city of Nancy for Marshal Pétain, the President of Vichy France. However, in 1944, Colotte was found guilty of collaborating with the enemy, resulting in imprisonment and confiscation of all his property. After his release, he worked as a jeweller and produced a few glass portraits, but unfortunately passed away without any financial means. (Arwas, 1997)