MAX INGRAND (1908 - 1969)

 

Model 2127 ceiling light for Fontana Arte, c.1960s. Nickel plated brass and glass

56 x 75cm

 

 

 

Max Ingrand (1908 1969)

An infamous French artist...

 

MAX INGRAND (1908 - 1969)

 

Model 2127 ceiling light for Fontana Arte, c.1960s. Nickel plated brass and glass

56 x 75cm

 

 

 

Max Ingrand (1908 1969)

An infamous French artist and decorator, known for his work with studio glass and stained-glass windows, Ingrand began his training at theÉcole nationale supérieure des beaux-artsin Paris specialising in the decorative arts, under the guidance of important artists such as Jacques Grübera master glassmaker at the time. Among his important early commissions were the glass decorations for the luxurious ocean liner, the Normandie, which launched 1932, and the Palais des Musées d'Art Moderne (now the Palais de Tokyo) in Paris, completed in 1937. These private commissions also included stain glasswork for churches, Sainte-Agnes, Maisons Alfort and a contribution to the design of Notre Dame Cathedral in 1937.

Throughout his stained glassworks, Ingrand integrated his love of medieval art with a modern aesthetic, implementing radiant colour to create an iconography that was equally universal as contemporary.

Ingrands increasing interest in glass and light inevitably led to the design of small-scale interior light fixtures. In 1954-67 he became artistic director of the Italian lighting and design company Fontana Arte, a company who were reputed for commissioning some of the greatest designers of the time, including Gio Ponti and Pietro Chiesa. During his time there, he developed many of his designs that would become true classics, and remain popular products for the company to this day. Amongst these creations the 2127 Ceiling light (Lot 46), formed as layers of floating glass. Ingrands design aesthetic incorporates both abstract and organic forms, merging the two to create stylised and idiosyncratic designs. His elegant wall mounted lights, the brass sconces Model 1552 with their delicate slivers of glass (Lot 48), or Model 2093, which is formed almost as tulip flower opening to reveal the layered frosted glass centre and fluid, undulating edges.

He was awarded the French Legion of Honour in 1969, and in the same year Ingrand died unexpectedly in Paris from influenza.

 

 

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