Jacques Doucet (1853 – 1929) French Art Collector

The Marriage of Couture and Art

Jacques Doucet was not just a fashion designer; he was a nexus where art and design converged in the early 20th century. Active in Paris, Doucet’s influence extended beyond fashion into the realms of art collection and interior design. He not only amassed remarkable art collections but also engaged artists and architects to shape his personal and professional spaces.

A Collector’s Journey

In the first phase of his collecting career between 1896 and 1910, Doucet focused on 18th-century art and furniture. In a landmark move, he auctioned off this collection in 1912 for a staggering $3 million. Thereafter, his focus shifted towards more contemporary 19th and 20th-century art, including works by icons like Cézanne, Van Gogh, and Picasso. Among the pieces he acquired were Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and Henri Rousseau’s La Charmeuse de Serpents.

A Patron of Multifaceted Design

Doucet had an eye for design that went beyond canvases. He collaborated with designers such as Pierre Legrain for furniture and accessories, Adler and Gray for Eileen, and others like Paul Iribe and Marcel Coard. His knack for spotting talent was evident when he met Gustav Miklos at the 1919 Salon des Indépendants and Adler at Ecole des Arts Décoratifs in 1923. His Art Déco collection, featuring René Lalique glass doors, Degaine rugs, and lacquered panels by Joseph Hecht, reflects his eclectic taste.

Architecture and Legacy

One of his lasting contributions was the studio-moderne annexe built by architect Paul Ruaud. The annexe adorned the courtyard of his wife’s home in Neuilly, near Paris. Doucet’s collections and his influence as a patron of the arts lasted until his death in 1929. The Doucet Library and the Institut d’Historie de l’Art et ‘Archéologie are testament to his everlasting impact.

The 1972 Auction and Beyond

After his death, Doucet’s Art Déco collection remained intact until 1972, when another record-breaking auction took place at Galerie Drouot in Paris. The sale cemented Doucet’s role as a visionary who had married the worlds of art and design like few before him.

In the realm of decorative and applied arts, Doucet was more than a couturier or a collector; he was an institution unto himself. His legacy reminds us that the boundaries between art forms are often just a matter of perspective.

Sources

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL

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