Artwork

Maquette

Maquette, by Jean Dunand, unspecified, 1927
Maquette, by Jean Dunand, unspecified, 1927

Maquette is an unspecified painting by Jean Dunand. It dates from 1927 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Maquette is a 1927 painting by Jean Dunand, a Swiss and French artist associated with the Art Deco movement. The work showcases his diverse skills, which spanned lacquer, painting, sculpture, and metalwork.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a dark, cluttered space with rough, uneven forms and muted earth tones. Jagged edges and curved lines evoke animal hides and abstract shapes, while small areas of bright color punctuate the dull background, creating visual tension.

Technique & Style

Dunand's use of bold outlines and textured surfaces gives the scene a raw, unfinished quality. The rough texture may be achieved through the use of unconventional materials, such as wood or stone, diverging from traditional painting techniques.

Context

Maquette reflects Dunand's contribution to the early 20th-century decorative arts movement, characterized by refined, geometric design. The work's style and materials may be seen as a departure from the more polished aesthetic associated with Art Deco.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jean Dunand

Artist

Jean Dunand

Jean Dunand (1877–1942) was a Swiss and French painter, sculptor, metal craftsman and interior designer during the Art Deco period. He was particularly known for his lacquered screens and other art objects.