From 18 November 2013 until 9 March 2014, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is presenting an exceptional exhibition on the jewellery work of JAR.
“Butterfly” brooch by JAR in sapphires, fire opals, amethysts, garnets, silver and gold (1994). Private collection, photo by Katherina Faeber, courtesy of JAR, Metropolitan Museum of Art NY.
JAR is first and foremost a taste for secrecy and discretion. The absence of communication is the very essence of the communication of the house founded by Joël Arthur Rosenthal. The pieces, sublime, timeless and superbly executed, speak for themselves. This is the objective of this exhibition, which is the first American retrospective of his work. The previous exhibition was held in London in 2002 at Somerset House.
The New York museum presents a selection of 400 pieces that illustrate JAR’s work, his ability to assemble gemstones, colours and his creativity through the most classical floral pieces as well as more extravagant art objects.
Mouchoir” earrings (2011) composed of sapphires, demantoid garnets, rubies, fire opals, spinels, beryls, diamonds, tourmalines and zircons. They are made of silver and platinum. Private collection. Photo by Jozsef Tari. Courtesy of JAR, Paris.
Rose Petal and Cameo” brooch (2011) made of rubies and diamonds. It is mounted on silver and gold. Private collection. Photo by Jozsef Tari. Courtesy of JAR, Paris.
Lilac” brooches (2001) composed of diamonds, lilac sapphires and garnets. They are made of aluminium, silver and gold. Private collection. Photo by Jozsef Tari. Courtesy of JAR, Paris.
JAR, who was born in New York and studied at Harvard University, moved to France in 1966 after graduation. He opened his studio in 1978 in Place Vendôme. His work, which reveals a true sense of colour association, focuses on gemstones: sapphires, topazes, citrines, tourmalines and also diamonds. His creations, which are almost all unique pieces, make him one of the greatest jewellers of our time.
Necklace “Coloured balls” (1999) made of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, amethysts, spinels, garnets, opals, tourmalines, aquamarines, citrines and diamonds. It is made of silver and gold. Private collection. Photo by Jozsef Tari. Courtesy of JAR, Paris.
Poppy” brooch (1982) made of diamonds and tourmalines. It is made of gold. Private collection. Photo by Katharina Faerber. Courtesy of JAR, Paris.
Brooch “Geranium” (2007) made of diamonds only, in aluminium and gold. Private collection. Photo by Jozsef Tari. Courtesy of JAR, Paris.
Tulip” brooch (2008) composed of rubies, diamonds, pink sapphires and garnets. It is made of silver and gold with the presence of enamelled parts. Private collection. Photo by Jozsef Tari. Courtesy of JAR, Paris.
If you have the opportunity to visit New York, you should not miss this unique exhibition. Also, don’t hesitate to buy the magnificent catalogue offered by the museum shop, it will undoubtedly become a collector’s item!
See you soon!
