Celebrated as the “poetess of metal” by Vogue magazine, designer Line Vautrin’s provocative works, which span furniture and jewelry, are characterized by fanciful forms and technical excellence. An audacious decorative artist and intellectual during a time when women were expected to fall into traditional roles, her inspirational designs show her passion for literature, wordplay and mythological allegory.
Born in 1914, Vautrin possessed a sense of curiosity and keen observational skills that led her to start creating at an early age. A talented autodidact, she taught herself to work with metal while spending time in her family’s bronze foundry. Vautrin had already mastered the skills of casting, carving, gilding and polishing bronze by the time she was in her early teens, and introduced her first line of jewelry when she was only twenty years old, offering her unique brooches, belt clasps and buttons to a select group of customers. In 1937, Vautrin helmed a small booth at the Paris International Exposition, where she gained some notoriety for her handcrafted accessories. Around the same time, Vautrin worked briefly for Elsa Schiaparelli, a like-minded fashion designer whose achievements propelled her onto the cover of Time magazine in 1934.
Vautrin opened a modest boutique near the Champs-Élysées in the late 1930s. During World War II, she created playful and sophisticated necklaces, powder boxes, earrings and other items that gave her clientele a welcome respite from wartime hardships. There was great demand for Vautrin’s work, and she opened a larger shop on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in 1946. Shortly thereafter, she opened her own atelier in Paris’s then run-down Marais district with her husband, interior decorator Jacques Armand Bonnaud. The neighborhood would later become world-famous for its boutiques and designer shops.
Vautrin’s boundless curiosity led her to constantly experiment with new materials and processes. In 1955, she perfected her technique with a new form of cellulose acetate resin, which she patented under the name Talosel. Vautrin used this material extensively to create complicated mirrored inlays, which became one of her signature motifs.
Throughout her life, Vautrin played with literary and religious iconography in her designs, drawing inspiration from common aphorisms, ancient world mythologies and alchemical principles. Her passion for symbology and the written word is reflected in her work, which often features intricate lettering and carefully rendered shapes and figures. Vautrin's pieces were imbued with her own sense of humor and love of fantasy.
In 1969, Vautrin closed her shop, and, alongside her daughter, Marie-Laure Bonnaud-Vautrin, opened a craft school to teach her innovative techniques to aspiring artists. Vautrin retired in 1980 but continued to create art from her apartment up until her death in 1997. Her individualism earned her a place among the most iconic creators of mid-century jewelry and decorative objects. Actress Brigitte Bardot and fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent became notable collectors of her work.
In 1992, Vautrin was recognized for her work in developing new decorative techniques by the Société d'Encouragement aux Métiers d’Art (later the Institut National des Métiers d’Art). Her designs were also celebrated by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, which held a retrospective of her works in 1999.
Find vintage Line Vautrin mirrors, decorative objects and collectibles on 1stDibs.
Bespoken Large French Bronze "Chatelain" Link Brooch Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large bespoken bronze brooch by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1940. Called "chatelaine", this bronze brooch features articulated chain links with hangi...
Bronze
Bronze Brooch by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A lovely brooch in gilt cast bronze made by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1940s. The brooch belongs to a collection called "The moon and the starts in th...
Bronze
French Art Bronze Bracelet by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare cuff bracelet in gilded and silvered bronze by Parisian art jewller Line Vautrin (1913-1997). The playful piece is called "Le gendarme et le voleur"...
Bronze
Gilt Bronze Brooch Chateau en Espagne by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small gilt bronze brooch named "Chateau en Espagne" by French Parisian art jewelry and sculpture Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1950s. It depicts ...
Bronze
French Bronze Brooch "Pergatoire" by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A hanging articulate three-piece gilt bronze brooch "Purgatoire" also known as "Le Ciel, la Terre, et l'Enfer." by Line Vautrin (1913-1997). Each element with figure symbolizes Heave...
Bronze
Articulate Bronze Brooch "Pergatoire" by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A hanging articulate three-piece gilt bronze brooch "Purgatoire" also known as "Le Ciel, la Terre, et l'Enfer." by Line Vautrin. Each element with figure symbolizes Heaven, Earth and...
Bronze
French Bronze Art Buckle Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
Belonged to the series "Rulked by Angels" created by Parisian art Jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1945-1950, this lovely and uncommon cast bronze belt buckle is called "Le Choeur de Anges...
Bronze
Early Gilt Bronze Necklace by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A gilt bronze necklace with chain and a square plaque on the subject of "Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden" with apple tree in the center, designed and made by Line Vautrin in her e...
Bronze
French Bronze Belt Buckle Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A cast bronze two-piece bronze buckle with hook and loop verso by French art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997). The sculptural pieces are In a rare Inca motif, with triangular indenta...
Bronze
French Bronze Brooch Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A cast bronze brooch by French Parisian Art Jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1950s. The small lovely bronze pieces features a medallion insignia design with olive branch wreath...
Bronze, Enamel
French Gilt Bronze Brooch by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A brooch in gilded bronze by French art jeweler Line Vautrin circa 1950s-1960s. The unusual model depicts the mathematical sign of infinity, on which appears in relief inscription of...
Bronze
French Bronze Brooch Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A gilt bronze brooch in sculptural form called Le Char de la lune (The Chariot of the Moon) circa 1945-1955 by French Art Jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997). A long pin on the back and...
Bronze
Bronze Necklace Pendant Saint Laurent Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A cast bronze pendant titled Saint Laurent by French art jewelry designer Line Vautrin (1913-1997). Gilt bronze, circa late 1940s. It depicts the ...
Bronze
French Art Bronze Brooch St Eloi by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare bronze brooch St Eloi by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin ((French, 1913–1997) circa 1946. Brilliantly designed in the shape of horseshoe with the saint spreading his arms ho...
Bronze
Large Rare French Gilt Bronze Box "Pinocchio" by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare cast gilt bronze box "Pinocchio" by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997). The elongated lidded box depicts a silouette portrait of the famous boy. The interior...
Bronze
Articulated Gilt Bronze Brooch Le Travail Dominant Le Mond by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A three-part articulated gilt bronze brooch named "Le Travail Dominant le Mond" by French Parisian art jewelry and sculpture Line Vautrin (1913-1997...
Bronze
French Bronze À La Gloire des Phoques Brooch Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bespoken bronze brooch by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1946 named "À La Gloire des Phoques" (The glory of the seals). This bronze brooch features a se...
Bronze
Bronze Brooch by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A gilt bronze brooch by French art jewelry designer Line Vautrin (1913-1997) Untitled circa late 1940s. The brooch depicts a horn with twisted texture wrapped with articulated chains. No signature found. Provenance: From a former Collection of a Line Vautrin jewelry...
Bronze
French Silvered Bronze Paperweight Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A silvered cast bronze rectangular paperweight by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1940s. A lovely piece of desktop object d'art in a relatively uncommon form and ...
Bronze
Solid Bronze Male Torso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid bronze sculpture. This piece features the male form. A beautiful display piece for a shelf or paperweight. Signed G. Shaw. Dimensions 4" width x 1.75" depth x 4.25" height. C...
Bronze
Armenian Alphabet by Line Vautrin, Gilt Bronze Compact
By Line Vautrin
Located in Uccle, BE
Line Vautrin was inspired by the Armenian alphabet to create this very pretty compact whose lid and reverse are entirely carved with the characters o...
Bronze
$18,482
H 1.19 in W 3.75 in D 4.34 in
“Cannabis” or “The World of Plants” by Line Vautrin, gilded bronze box, France
By Line Vautrin
Located in Uccle, BE
“Cannabis” or “The World of Plants” by Line Vautrin, gilded bronze box. “Finely chiseled gilt bronze box, the lid depicting a central plant whose leaves, veins, and roots radiate sym...
Bronze
French Art Deco Bronze Crucifix, 1920
By Peter Hartmann
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Deco Bronze Crucifix by Peter Hartmann, Switzerland, 1920s. Elegant and rare French Art Deco bronze crucifix by Swiss sculptor Peter Ha...
Bronze
$2,632
H 20.5 in W 10.5 in D 7.2 in
Large & Wonderful Antique Bronze Sacred Heart of Christ Sculpture on Marble Base
Located in Lisse, NL
Mint condition, Serene and meaningful work of religious art. This beautifully hand-crafted bronze Sacred Heart of Christ statuette is another one of our recent great finds. In our v...
Marble, Bronze
$6,000
H 5.91 in Dm 3.15 in
Bibendum Michelin Man Bronze Car Mascot, Hood Ornament, Automobilia, France 1909
By Michelin Man
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Bibendum Michelin Man Bronze Car Mascot, Hood Ornament, Automobilia, France 1909. This is a highly collectible Bibendum Michelin Man bronze car mascot, Hood Ornament, Mascotte Voitur...
Bronze
$2,817
H 28.5 in W 15.8 in D 3.7 in
19th Century Great Quality Gilt Bronze Wall Crucifix on a Carved & Inlaid Cross
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and finest Gilded bronze crucifix mounted on a oak cross. The striking details on this highest quality bronze sculpture of Christ are second to none and the antique gilt finish...
Bronze
$1,626
H 21.5 in W 10.6 in D 5.2 in
Antique Gothic Revival Silvered Bronze Crucifix with a Gilt Bronze Corpus Christ
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size and impressive make, Gothic church altar crucifix. This ornate and all hand-crafted, bronze table crucifix comes with a good quality made a...
Brass, Bronze
$11,697
H 1.19 in W 3.12 in D 3.59 in
The sweeper of the Sacred Heart by Line Vautrin – Gilt bronze box
By Line Vautrin
Located in Uccle, BE
La balayeuse du Sacré-Coeur (The sweeper of the Sacred Heart) by Line Vautrin, gilt bronze box. Generously sized gilt bronze box. The lid chiselled with a decoration of a multitude o...
Bronze
$11,580
H 0.4 in W 4.22 in D 3.27 in
Empreinte (footprint), gilded bronze powder compact by Line Vautrin, France
By Line Vautrin
Located in Uccle, BE
Empreinte (footprint), gilded bronze powder compact by Line Vautrin. Powder compact with a highly chiseled lid representing a hand located in the center of a fingerprint. The wolf ma...
Bronze
$12,867
H 0.4 in W 3.63 in D 4.14 in
“Le lion” gilt bronze compact by Line Vautrin, Circa 1945, France
By Line Vautrin
Located in Uccle, BE
“Le lion” gilt bronze compact by Line Vautrin. Gilt-bronze compact depicting a stylised lion’s head in relief, surrounded by small arrow-like marks. This motif belongs to the talisma...
Bronze
Solid Bronze Female Torso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid bronze sculpture. This piece features the female form. A beautiful display piece for a shelf or paperweight. Signed G. Shaw. Dimensions 2.5" width x 1.25" depth x 4.25" height...
Bronze
Frech Gilt and Silvered Necklace "Le Bélier" by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A cast bronze necklace titled " "Le Bélier" (the Ram) by French Parisin art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997). The ram necklace and its variations were con...
Bronze
Les Sept Péchés Capitaux Paperweight by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A solid cast bronze paperweight entitled "Les Sept Péchés Capitaux" (The Seven Deadly Sins) by French Parisin art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997 ) circa 1945-46. The lovely piece features cast relief of seven caricatured faces with humorous expression that represents the seven sins...
Bronze
Sold
H 0.2 in W 1.46 in D 2.05 in
L’abeille Hybride 'the Hybrid Bee' by Line Vautrin, Gilt Bronze Brooch, France
By Line Vautrin
Located in Uccle, BE
About L'abeille hybride (The hybrid bee) by Line Vautrin The hybrid bee represents an imaginary character between a bee and a human. We present here the version mounted on a brooch...
Bronze
French Bronze Link Brooch Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large bespoken bronze brooch by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1940. The bronze brooch features articulated links in symbols of wings, geometrical knot ...
Bronze
Bronze Brooch St Eloi by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare bronze brooch St Eloi by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin ((French, 1913–1997) circa 1946. Brilliantly designed in the shape of horseshoe with the saint spreading his arms ho...
Bronze
French Sculpted Bronze Box Line Vautrin Day and Night
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A sculpted cast bonze box "Le Jour et La Nuit" by French Parisian art jewelry designer Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1950s. The box features an interesting design on two sides that ...
Bronze
French Bronze Enameled Brooch Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A lovely cast bronze brooch by French Parisian Art Jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997), circa 1950s-1960s. The medallion shaped brooch has a relief bird in the center which is surrounde...
Bronze, Enamel
French Silvered Bronze Brooch by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bronze brooch in a silvered finish by French art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) entitled "Mignonne Allons Voir Si La Rose" (Sweetheart, let's see if the rose). The large round br...
Bronze
Pair of French Gilt Bronze Earrings by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of gilt bronze earrings by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (French, 1913–1997) circa 1945. Titled "Tiny Cross coming out of a heart". Initially on the back. Illustration R...
Bronze
Bronze Brooch St Eloi by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare bronze brooch St Eloi by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin ((French, 1913–1997) circa 1946. Brilliantly designed in the shape of horseshoe with the saint spreading his arms ho...
Bronze
French Bronze Brooch by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bronze brooch by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997), circa 1940s. The large brooch is cast and lightly polished without a heavy gilt. The design is intriguing whi...
Bronze
Bronze Poudrier Box by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A circular bronze compact box (poudrier) entitled " Le Marchand de Ballons" (the balloon seller) by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997), circa 1945-1946. This lovely piece ...
Bronze, Enamel