The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the beautiful Lalique collection.
Esprit Joaillerie goes on a discovery tour Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, a museum particularly renowned for its beautiful collection Lalique.
Founded in 1956 in Lisbon, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation embodies the philanthropic vision of the Armenian magnate Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian. This institution with a universal vocation is committed to promoting knowledge and improving the quality of life through the arts, philanthropy, science, and education.
Established by testament, the Foundation operates on a perpetual basis from its Lisbon headquarters, with delegations in Paris and London. Embracing universal values and respect for human diversity, it cultivates tolerance and is committed to preserving the environment, reflecting the spirit of the founder. Calouste Gulbenkian, Industrialist of Armenian origin, he has left a legacy that is reflected in concrete actions. Notably, the funding of projects in Africa, Armenia and within the Armenian diaspora.
The Foundation thus remains a major player, combining curiosity, sensitivity to nature and commitment to beauty, in pursuit of a humanitarian and cultural mission at the service of all humanity.
Passionate about art, Calouste would become a demanding collector: «Only the best is good enough for me». This is how his sense of aesthetics enabled him to create a remarkable collection of works of art, a universal collection.
We set off for the Santa Gertrudes park, where the modern museum created by Atouguia, Cid and Pessoa is nestled. Here is a brief visit under the gaze of Calouste Gulbenkian, A great lover of nature, who loved the tranquility of the parks and gardens that offered him the opportunity to meditate.
The first part of the museum is dedicated to classical and oriental art: Egypt, Mesopotamia, Islamic art, Armenia and the Far East.
The visit continues with European art: painting, sculpture and jewelry.
To conclude with a master, René Lalique. Artist and friend of Calouste Gulbenkian, René Lalique shared the same love for nature and the urge to surpass oneself. Proud to have been able to gather such a large number of works by his friend, he leaves visitors the opportunity to admire the craftsmanship of a master glassmaker, designer, goldsmith and jeweler.
Around 1897-1898
Or, enamel, chrysoprase, chalcedony, moonstones, diamonds
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon © Esprit Joaillerie
Statue «Figure of a Woman»
Silver, Ivory. 1901.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon © Esprit Joaillerie
Brooch «Angel»
Or, enamel, ivory, jade, diamonds. 1902
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon © Esprit Joaillerie
Cuttings «Vine Shoots»
Nickel, Glass, Ivory, Enamel. 1898-1900 and »Figures and Vine Motifs». Glass, Silver, Bronze. 1899-1901
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon © Esprit Joaillerie
Brooch «Opale»
Ivory, Gold, Enamel, Opal, Diamonds. 1900-1902
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon © Esprit Joaillerie
Necklace «Woman's Face»
Or, Enamel, Ivory, Sapphires, Diamonds. 1900-1902.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon © Esprit Joaillerie
Cou plaque «Angels in the Foliage»
Or, Enamel, Glass, Aigue-Marines. 1901-1903
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon © Esprit Joaillerie
Comb «Glycines»
Corn, gold, enamel, glass, diamonds. 1903-1904.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon © Esprit Joaillerie
Comb «Chardon Stems»
Corn, Silver. 1902.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon © Esprit Joaillerie
Comb «Dancers»
Corn, Ivory, Gold, Enamel. 1897-1898.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon © Esprit Joaillerie
Ornement de Corsage » Rosary Branches »
Or, Enamel, Glass, Amethyst. 1904-1905.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon © Esprit Joaillerie
Cou plaque «Profile of a Woman» 1898-1900
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon © Esprit Joaillerie
Bracelet «Hiboux»
Glass, Gold, Enamel, Calcedony. 1900-1901
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon © Esprit Joaillerie
Cou plaque «Eagle in the Branches»
Or, enamel, opal. 1899-1901
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon © Esprit Joaillerie
Pendant «Forest»
Or, enamel, glass, Baroque pearl. 1899-1900
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon © Esprit Joaillerie
At the end of this inspiring visit, it is undeniable that this philanthropic legacy continues to positively shape the world. The encounter with this place dedicated to the arts, charity, science, and education reveals an enduring institution, driven by universal values and respect for human diversity. The Foundation, rooted in Lisbon but also with branches in Paris and London, embodies the spirit of its founder, Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian. She maintains a curious gaze, a sensitivity to the harmony of nature, and a penchant for contemplating beauty. More than a simple philanthropic entity, the Foundation remains an engaged actor, thus perpetuating its impact in the service of humanity.
Avenida Berna
45-A Lisbon
