Alexandre Bigot Paintings

Alexandre Bigot was a French ceramist and a notable figure in the architectural ceramics movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on November 5, 1862, in Mer, Loir-et-Cher, he initially trained as a mathematician and a scientist. Despite his education, he found his true calling in the artistic potential of ceramics and glazes.

Bigot was originally a chemistry teacher, but his interest in ceramics was piqued after visiting the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1889. This event showcased the latest innovations and artistic creations from around the globe, including the field of ceramics. Inspired by this, Bigot began experimenting with glazes, eventually inventing a range of unique glazes that would become his signature.

By 1894, Bigot had established his own ceramic factory in Athis-Mons, south of Paris. His work was characterized by its Art Nouveau style, which featured organic and natural forms, and he was a contemporary to other renowned artists in the movement, such as Hector Guimard and Louis Majorelle. Bigot's most significant contribution to Art Nouveau was his architectural ceramics, which were used for the facades of buildings, as well as for interior decoration.

His work became highly sought after, and he collaborated with some of the leading architects of the day. Bigot's ceramic tiles and panels graced the exteriors and interiors of numerous buildings throughout Paris and beyond, including the famous Lavirotte Building and the Castel Béranger. His innovative use of ceramics in architecture earned him a gold medal at the 1900 Exposition Universelle.

Despite the success of his architectural ceramics, the outbreak of World War I and the subsequent changes in architectural tastes led to a decline in demand for Bigot's Art Nouveau style. The war also disrupted his production, and his factory eventually closed in 1926. Alexandre Bigot passed away a year later on June 8, 1927, in Paris.

His legacy endures in the buildings that still bear his ceramic work, and he is remembered today for his contribution to Art Nouveau and for elevating ceramics to a form of architectural expression. Bigot's work is also part of various museum collections, where it continues to be appreciated for its artistic and historical value.