Armand Bargas: Art Nouveau Engraver Capturing the Light of the Day

Step into Paris at the turn of the 20th century, a city alive with creativity and on the cusp of revolutionizing the art world. Amidst the rapid industrialization of Europe, Paris stood as the beating heart of artistic innovation. It was here that a bold new movement, Art Nouveau, emerged—a wave of beauty and craftsmanship that sought to reconnect art with nature, and Armand Bargas was one of the many talents fueling this creative renaissance movement known as Art Nouveau.

The ethos of Art Nouveau, meaning "new art," was a direct response to the impersonal and mechanized nature of industrialization. Artists and craftsmen, eager to reintroduce beauty and craftsmanship into daily life, drew inspiration from organic, flowing forms—nature, flowers, vines, and even the female form became the hallmarks of this movement. It was an effort to reconnect with the beauty of the natural world amidst the smoke and grime of rapidly growing cities. This movement wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about challenging the very nature of mass production by celebrating the individual artist's hand in every creation, no matter the price point.

Among the many notable artisans of the time was Armand Bargas, a French engraver whose contributions remain in circulation, though he never gained the same fame as contemporaries like René Lalique or Hector Guimard. Bargas was an engraver whose delicate, precise work embodies the spirit of Art Nouveau. His designs are a testament to the era’s reverence for nature, showcasing floral motifs, the female form, flowing lines, and intricate details that capture the beauty of life around him.

The dies I own, including "Jour", "Nuit," “Crepuscle” and ”Mignon” are part of Armand Bargas' exploration of natural cycles, captured through several series of medals representing the seasons and times of day. In true Art Nouveau style, Bargas centered each scene around the profile of a woman, whose expression evokes the essence of the moment. One of his more striking works, "Crépuscule" (Twilight), portrays a serene young woman with downcast eyes, embodying the calm and transition from day to night. Above her, the first star of evening twinkles, while another gleams from her earring, seamlessly blending cosmic and human beauty. The scene’s delicate fluidity is characteristic of Art Nouveau’s reverence for natural forms, while the border is playfully adorned with twilight visitors—bats!—an example of how the movement embraced all aspects of nature, not just the idyllic. Bargas’ work, with its intricate interplay between human emotion and natural elements, reflects Art Nouveau’s mission to create art that is not only beautiful but deeply connected to the organic cycles of life and the environment.

I am fortunate to possess four of Armand Bargas’ signed dies, reproduced from 100-year old original Bargas hand-carved hubs. They will serve as the foundation for my next collection, The Light of the Day.. These century-old carvings have an undeniable aura—they are remnants of a time when artistry and craftsmanship were paramount. Each impression made from these dies tells a story of Paris at the turn of the century, a city brimming with artists who sought to express resilience and beauty amid industrial change.

The Art Nouveau period was unique in how it elevated everyday objects—whether it was a piece of jewelry, furniture, or architecture—to works of art. Artists like Bargas believed in integrating beauty into daily life, making their creations not just decorative but also deeply symbolic. This philosophy resonates deeply with Phoenix Silver’s mission: to craft wearable symbols of resilience, strength, and beauty for women with chronic illness.

By using Bargas’ dies, my goal is to breathe new life into these intricate carvings. They were nearly lost to time and progress, until Kevin Potter, of Potter USA, rescued them. From my point of view, each piece of jewelry crafted from Bargas designs continues the legacy of Art Nouveau, offering more than just an accessory, but a meaningful expression of beauty, nature, and timeless artistry.

Stay tuned for the launch of this new collection—the Light of the Day. It's a small homage to Paris, Art Nouveau, the enduring legacy of Armand Bargas, and most importantly, the daily lives of women around the globe and across generations,